1
as in sleeping
desiring or needing sleep
the sleepy children were carried up to bed
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2
as in dull
slow to move or act
a sleepy little town on the coast
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3
as in hypnotic
tending to cause sleep
the sleepy drone of his voice made staying awake a challenge
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4
as in slow
lacking in gaiety, movement, or animation
a sleepy party that was mostly attended by the same boring people I work with
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sleepy
In recent years, the government even started paying people to move to its sleepy medieval villages.
—
Siobhan Reid, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2025
The same woman who used to have fun behind her camera now seems sleepy, dazed, and even drugged.
—Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
The vibe is still that of a small town sleepy Florida paradise, according to Derek Gores.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
At a time when manufacturing has migrated south and overseas from the Midwest, how has a sleepy village outside of Peoria, Illinois, maintained its prosperity?
—Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleepy
Siobhan Reid, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2025
The same woman who used to have fun behind her camera now seems sleepy, dazed, and even drugged.
—Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
The vibe is still that of a small town sleepy Florida paradise, according to Derek Gores.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
At a time when manufacturing has migrated south and overseas from the Midwest, how has a sleepy village outside of Peoria, Illinois, maintained its prosperity?
—Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleepy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleepy
Adjective
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Medieval Europe, an era that gave us heraldry, court jesters, and troubadours, is rendered in dull, grayish brown hues.—
Will Collins,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
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Or, the formula comes in a radiant finish, which both makeup artists love for dull or tired skin in need of a pick-me-up.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Saluti has devised a unique trio of designs for The Vault, each drawing inspiration from nature to create abstract, hypnotic forms that blur the boundaries of her creative disciplines.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
16 Sep. 2025
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His hypnotic dance with a marching band in the finale cemented Milchick as both comic relief and a sinister presence — a balance that earned Tillman his first Emmy nomination and win.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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During the prelims in Tokyo, Seville had a concerning slow reaction to the starting gun.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Parisian servers may have an undeserved reputation for being slow, but instead of complaining or searching for faster service elsewhere, settle in with a book or newspaper.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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During the resting phase, hair stops growing and will shed, or fall out.—
Jessica Swirble,
Verywell Health,
10 July 2025
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Green Bay could finish as high as sixth in the NFC if the resting Rams lose to the 49ers, potentially setting up a first-round matchup against the division-rival Lions.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
6 Jan. 2024
Adjective
-
The last lazy Sunday of summer.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Unlike Disneyland or Disney World, there is no theme park, but the resort boasts a mini water park with slides and a lazy river for all ages to enjoy.—
Essence,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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There’s nothing quite as soothing as the drowsy calmness that washes over you when your partner runs their hands through your hair.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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The DeWine administration cited driver safety as a catalyst for the project: officials noted that truck drivers who can't find a parking spot are known to drive drowsy or pull over to sleep in unsafe areas.—
Annie Goldman,
The Enquirer,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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The alligators of Arctic Canada lay motionless in the swamps to wait out months of polar night, as dawn redwoods filtered the starlight.—
Peter Brannen,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
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After sustaining the impact, Walker remained face down on the field, lying motionless.—
Lauren Merola,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Unfortunately, the infectious energy of the scare zone gets completely lost in the lethargic and drowsy maze.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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At first, Walters feared the chicken might not survive—describing her as lethargic and depressed.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sleepy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleepy. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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