Definition of torpornext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun torpor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of torpor are languor, lassitude, lethargy, and stupor. While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness.

a once alert mind now in a torpor

In what contexts can languor take the place of torpor?

The words languor and torpor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

When can lassitude be used instead of torpor?

While in some cases nearly identical to torpor, lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

When would lethargy be a good substitute for torpor?

In some situations, the words lethargy and torpor are roughly equivalent. However, lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.

months of lethargy followed my accident

When is stupor a more appropriate choice than torpor?

While the synonyms stupor and torpor are close in meaning, stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

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 torpor Will his cannon shot across the bow of democracy rouse them from their torpor? Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2026 Inducing torpor-like states in humans is an active area of research, especially in relation to emergency medicine and long-duration spaceflight. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 In the wild, hamsters dig burrows with deep tunnels and multiple entrances for protection and to sleep during bouts of torpor. Noel Kirkpatrick, Treehugger, 20 Jan. 2026 As for Farrell, rarely has a pathological abdication of responsibility been so uncannily conveyed; he’s well matched by his The Beguiled co-star, Nicole Kidman, who cuts through the body-snatcher torpor of the material with her growing rage and panic. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for torpor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torpor
Noun
  • What makes the Olsen twins stand out from that era is their complete disregard for those conventions.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 12 June 2026
  • To then have individuals exploit that tragedy for personal gain demonstrates a complete disregard for basic human decency.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Studies on workplace boredom have linked chronic under-stimulation to lower job satisfaction, reduced mental health and increased turnover intentions.
    ByBryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • Riesling took dance lessons elsewhere to relieve her boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing two face masks for the in-person instruction.
    Kevin McKeough, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • But it has rarely been managed with such apparent indifference to its own contradictions.
    Shirvin Zeinalzadeh, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
  • This is a distortion of the law, and a display of callous indifference to the tragedies that moved Congress to pass the Refugee Act.
    Elizabeth Holtzman, Time, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Symptoms of prolonged deficiency include ventroflexion of the neck (bending the head toward the floor); mental dullness (confusion, lethargy, non-responsiveness, failing to interact, low energy); vision changes; wobbly walking, circling, or falling; seizures; and weakness and lethargy.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026
  • Finally, monitor pets for behavioral changes, as pets may experience pain, licking or chewing at a wound, loss of appetite and lethargy.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • But now, the Outback appears to be out of its stupor.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 4 June 2026
  • Their apps seem clearly designed, much like TikTok and Candy Crush, to keep users scrolling and tapping in a hypnotic stupor.
    McKay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Torpor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torpor. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on torpor

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster