as in to sleep
to be in an inactive state
bears hibernating in their dens
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Recent Examples of hibernate
Some common behaviors to look out for include sleep changes, like getting very little sleep, or alternatively sleeping or hibernating more than usual, says Guilbault.
—
Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
In September 2023, rain followed by Tropical Storm Hilary established conditions for breeding and the subsequent insect activity in a time when the mosquitoes typically begin to hibernate.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
With bold outerwear anchoring some of the team’s best looks, the outfits below serve as a welcome reminder that personal style doesn’t have to hibernate during the winter months; dressing for February weather can be just as expressive as September when armed with the right pieces.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
But shouldn’t the bears be hibernating?
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
In September 2023, rain followed by Tropical Storm Hilary established conditions for breeding and the subsequent insect activity in a time when the mosquitoes typically begin to hibernate.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
With bold outerwear anchoring some of the team’s best looks, the outfits below serve as a welcome reminder that personal style doesn’t have to hibernate during the winter months; dressing for February weather can be just as expressive as September when armed with the right pieces.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
But shouldn’t the bears be hibernating?
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibernate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernate
Verb
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Two adults cannot sleep comfortably on a twin bed.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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More than a third of Americans now occasionally or consistently sleep apart from their partner, and research suggests the arrangement can improve both rest and relationships.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Put the bottle in the freezer and wait several hours to fully chill.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
4 Apr. 2026
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Some seeds might require a short period of chilling before being sown.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The case for more medical freedom rests on laudable principles.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Also, Goldman’s framework rests not on a direct count of jobs lost to AI and jobs created by AI in real time, but on inferences derived from a regression analysis.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jack Plummer, who is now playing for the United Football League’s Orlando Storm, spent the bulk of the 2024 season on the practice squad as a third arm.—
Mike Kaye
April 1,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
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Emma D'Arcy landed an Emmy nomination playing an older version of Rhaenyra later in Season 1 and stayed the lead in Season 2, though Alcock also reprised her role as a guest star.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There are more ways than lounging on your couch sipping Arnold Palmers to take it all in.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
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From a morning perusing the Louvre to an afternoon lounging at the Luxembourg Garden—plus a day trip to Champagne or a weekend away in Burgundy—these 15 items embrace French chic.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the harsh afternoon sun, it was deserted except for dogs dozing on the rocks, and lovers seeking a shred of privacy.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
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She gets literally tucked in, waking up cozy to the sound of rain on the slanted roof and dozing only to wake again to the bright morning sun.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hibernate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernate. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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