drowse 1 of 2

Definition of drowsenext
as in nap
a short sleep was just falling into a drowse when you called

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to nap
to sleep lightly or briefly picnickers drowsing in the shade of an oak tree

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 drowse
Noun
The wealthy suburb of Phoenix drowses in the heat of the Sonoran Desert, sprinkled with luxury resorts catering to snowbirds in what Arizonans call the Valley of the Sun. Lynette Rice, EW.com, 26 Aug. 2019
Verb
Some shaggy buffalo drowsed in a patch of shade, and a hose fed water into a large puddle where a white goose paddled in tight circles. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 The dog, Russ, drowsed on the floor at his owner’s feet, drooling onto the tile. Literary Hub, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for drowse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowse
Noun
  • Duncan said Willow's most human-like quality is a Sunday nap.
    Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Perk That Actually Works For years, companies have competed to fill their offices with amenities meant to signal ambition—ping pong tables, nap rooms, office dogs, sprawling lounges.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Direct flights have resumed between India and China, a few old Silk Road trade routes have opened, and in March India relaxed rules around investment from Beijing.
    Evelyn Cheng,Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Fences, hedges, noise machines, and relaxing music can all help.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Clancy’s mom had her arm resting on the back of the seat at times.
    Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
  • From here, the choice is yours to sit, rest and enjoy the moon rise.
    Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Nothing etches itself in your heart quite like the memory of watching a pack of energetic African wild dogs frolicking, a lioness and her cubs dozing on the Kalahari with your own kids tucked in close.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026
  • Victor Nicholas ended up dozing with his head on her shoulder.
    Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • In other words, the long-slumbering giant in the US space industry may finally be waking up.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Some, perhaps, slumbered through repetitive regional games and inconsequential friendlies.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Drowse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drowse. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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