1
as in sleepy
desiring or needing sleep
trying to teach somnolent students on a very hot day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hypnotic
tending to cause sleep
the somnolent hum of insects in the grass
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 somnolent
In it, bands play a quieter part of the song, or start softly, setting a somnolent mood before blowing it apart with a sudden shift in volume and dynamics, with little more warning than some transitional guitar feedback.
—
Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
Returning to the somnolent complacency of years past is not an option.
—Elbridge Colby, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Neuroscientists have long had an explanation for our somnolent twitches.
—Amanda Gefter, The New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2023
Democrats are walking around in some state of somnolent indifference about Joe Biden.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 26 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for somnolent
Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024
Returning to the somnolent complacency of years past is not an option.
—Elbridge Colby, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Neuroscientists have long had an explanation for our somnolent twitches.
—Amanda Gefter, The New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2023
Democrats are walking around in some state of somnolent indifference about Joe Biden.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 26 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for somnolent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for somnolent
Adjective
-
Paired with the ensemble of braiders is their unpredictable clientele – a string of characters demonstrating the breadth of the American women filling salon chairs, from party girls to nepo babies and sleepy nurses coming off the night shift.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
Even its flavor conjures a deep sleepy forest with woody, spicy and herbaceous notes, and finishes pleasantly bitter.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Even so, as Jerry delivers his hokum, Offerman invests it with a hypnotic clarity, a sense that Jerry is trying to create a rational and just world — to create salvation — out of the irrational.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
10 July 2025
-
The aquarium has been a pioneer from the start, unveiling the world’s first living kelp forest exhibit and debuting large-scale displays of jellyfish—hypnotic creatures that pulse rhythmically through the glowing blue waters.—
Brittany Anas,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Telogen Stage The telogen stage of the hair cycle is a resting phase, during which the hair doesn't grow, and the follicle is dormant.1 About 10% to 15% of the hairs on your body are in this resting phase at any one time, which typically lasts for a few months.—
Nancy LeBrun,
Verywell Health,
13 Jan. 2025
-
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
-
Yet the car will likely obey speed limits, never get drowsy or drunk and never rubberneck or give in to road rage.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
22 June 2025
-
Preparation through adequate rest is an important part of avoiding drowsy driving, which could be fatal according to NHTSA.—
Charles Singh,
Nashville Tennessean,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Somnolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/somnolent. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share