hibernation

noun

Definition of hibernationnext
as in slumber

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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 hibernation During winter hibernation, the bears do not eat or drink and can lose one-third of their body weight. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026 Bacteria enter this state of hibernation when environmental conditions are unfavorable. — Canan Karakoç, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026 The hibernation period usually begins when bears start entering dens in mid-November, and lasts until mid-December. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 Virginia Tech researchers sought a better understanding of the factors shaping hibernation. — Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026 The viral creation from Alaska’s Katmai National Park & Preserve allows people to vote for brown bears that gain the most weight in anticipation for hibernation. — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Plus, the season gives her a chance to go into hibernation mode. — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026 Snakes could be hiding near, around your home During the fall months, snakes start to move toward warmer locations to prepare for the upcoming brumating season, similar to hibernation. — Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 21 Sep. 2026 Disturbing them during this period could lead them to travel to other, lower quality, hibernation sites, putting them at risk during the winter. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hibernation
  1. slumber
  2. coma
  3. rest
  4. torpor
  5. sleep
  6. hypnosis
Noun
  • The Chicago Cubs picked a bad time to go into an offensive slumber.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Above-average rainfall in June and August, along with several cold fronts sweeping across the region, woke the seeds from a lengthy slumber to transform the landscape.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of slumber
Noun
  • One example Fillion points to from the comics is when Guy was hit by a bus and spent time in a coma.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The condition can then lead to stiff neck, seizures and coma, and usually causes death within five days, the NCDHHS stated.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of coma
Noun
  • The property has 21 private cottages, each simple, calming, and tech-free, promoting deep rest and focus.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Head coach Willie Simmons’ squad enters the matchup with extra rest following a bye week, giving the Panthers an opportunity to evaluate what has worked, identify what needs to improve and make adjustments before the start of C-USA play.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of rest
Noun
  • Guglielmo wondered whether godwits did something similar, even though hanging motionless in a torpor seems pretty different from flying.
    — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • For all its characteristic restraint and formal diligence, Killing Spree is a book that wants to make noise, to cut through the dead air with cries of grief and rage, undoing our own savage torpor.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of torpor
Noun
  • Frazzled parents unwind at the swim-up bar, while the little ones run amok in the spiffy waterpark, bowling alley, and giant sand castle equipped for sleep-overs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The company already offers sleep monitoring and heart-rate tracking with the Apple Watch.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of sleep
Noun
  • Highway hypnosis is a real thing, and drowsy driving is a danger not unlike drunk driving.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Emmy Brunner’s residential retreats combine hypnosis and somatic practice.
    — Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of hypnosis

Browse Nearby Words

hibernating
hibernation
hibernations
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Cite this Entry

“Hibernation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hibernation. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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