drowsiness

noun

Definition of drowsinessnext
as in sleepiness
the quality or state of desiring or needing sleep we tried to fight our drowsiness but fell asleep anyway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 drowsiness Taking multiple products with sedating effects can increase drowsiness or cause interactions. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026 These older medications were also likely to increase cognitive impairment, such as drowsiness, confusion, slowed thinking, or diminished school or work performance, according to the study authors. — Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 30 July 2026 Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 It is also known to cause side effects, including drowsiness, sedation and dizziness. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 12 June 2026 Symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning can include extreme drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm problems and loss of consciousness, according to the advisory. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 11 June 2026 The devices detected increases in brain waves linked to relaxation and focus – theta, theta-alpha, alpha and beta-1 brain waves – while measuring decreases in delta and gamma-1 brain waves, which suggest less drowsiness and less mind-wandering. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 June 2026 The practical effect is a calmer, less reactive brain at bedtime, without any drowsiness. — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026 The overall effect is a quieter, less reactive brain, without any drowsiness. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowsiness
  1. sleepiness
  2. fatigue
  3. somnolence
  4. sleeping
Noun
  • Takeda is testing orexin-targeting drugs for sleep apnea and chronic daytime sleepiness.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Adherence is often low, and untreated sleep apnea can worsen hypertension, atrial fibrillation and the daytime sleepiness.
    — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of sleepiness
Noun
  • The platform will be monitored over time to assess how the bamboo composite performs against fatigue, environmental exposure and other stresses encountered offshore.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Immediate consequences can develop quickly Heat strain may begin with fatigue, headache, dizziness, weakness or nausea and progress to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
    — Julian L. Gallegos, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fatigue
Noun
  • From there, the story builds on the uncertainty, rocking the somnolence of a small town in the province of Badajoz, and forcing a community to choose between disbelief and the need to prove what can’t be seen.
    — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The people went to the emergency department with tachycardia, confusion, anxiety or somnolence, and nausea after eating gummy candies labeled as containing Amanita muscaria mushrooms.
    — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 19 July 2024
Definition of somnolence
Noun
  • More than 200 of its sailors were receiving treatment for smoke inhalation, a result of a laundry room fire that spread through the ventilation system into the carrier’s sleeping quarters.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • No matter your sleeping style, there’s an option below that fits your needs, with prices starting at just $220.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sleeping

Browse Nearby Words

drowses (off)
drowsiness
drowsing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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