as in sleepiness
the quality or state of desiring or needing sleep
somnolence is likely to be the most typical and telling reaction to this novel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of somnolence
The company warns of the potential for diarrhea, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and somnolence (excessive or sudden sedation).
—
Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 13 Aug. 2023
If successful, Murray wants the Senate to awake from its somnolence the past few months and years, having a free-flowing debate with lots of amendments considered.
—Paul Kane, Anchorage Daily News, 27 July 2023
More little dramas are unfolding across South Korean boardrooms as activist investors become more assertive after a long period of somnolence.
—Jacky Wong, WSJ, 28 Mar. 2023
Carolyn Kuan doesn’t do somnolence.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for somnolence
Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 13 Aug. 2023
If successful, Murray wants the Senate to awake from its somnolence the past few months and years, having a free-flowing debate with lots of amendments considered.
—Paul Kane, Anchorage Daily News, 27 July 2023
More little dramas are unfolding across South Korean boardrooms as activist investors become more assertive after a long period of somnolence.
—Jacky Wong, WSJ, 28 Mar. 2023
Carolyn Kuan doesn’t do somnolence.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for somnolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somnolence
Noun
-
At higher doses, kratom reduces anxiety and causes sleepiness, the way strong pain drugs like opioids (heroin or fentanyl) do.—
Gary Kirkilas II,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
-
In the short term, caffeine in coffee works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) involved in promoting sleepiness.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
However, first-generation antihistamines can also cause drowsiness, sedation, and fatigue, which can affect alertness, concentration, and memory.—
Karen Berger,
Verywell Health,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The virus can lead to severe symptoms, including disorientation, drowsiness, seizures or encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some of those benefits are reduction in swelling and inflammation, pain relief, lowering of stress levels and fatigue.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Valvular heart disease, in which one more of the heart's valves don't function properly, can make the heart work harder and, over time, lead to conditions like chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Even plastic bags get woven into sleeping mats for residents who may be sleeping outside or don’t have a bed.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Boasting a nearly 78-inch-wide desk beneath the sleeping loft, this bed frame is great for those in school or who want a dedicated space to craft, work, or game.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Somnolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somnolence. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
