somnolence

noun

som·​no·​lence ˈsäm-nə-lən(t)s How to pronounce somnolence (audio)
Synonyms of somnolencenext
: the quality or state of being drowsy : sleepiness

Synonyms of somnolence

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Examples of somnolence in a Sentence

somnolence is likely to be the most typical and telling reaction to this novel
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
If successful, Murray wants the Senate to awake from its somnolence the past few months and years, having a free-flowing debate with lots of amendments considered. — Paul Kane, Anchorage Daily News, 27 July 2023 Russia took advantage of decades of somnolence in Europe to try to exploit its neighbors’ reliance on Russian gas after the invasion of Ukraine. — Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2023 The company warns of the potential for diarrhea, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and somnolence (excessive or sudden sedation). — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 13 Aug. 2023 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 See All Example Sentences for somnolence

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of somnolence was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

somnivolency
somnolence
somnolent
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Cite this Entry

“Somnolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/somnolence. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

somnolence

noun
som·​no·​lence ˈsäm-nə-lən(t)s How to pronounce somnolence (audio)
: the state of being sleepy or ready to fall asleep : drowsiness

Medical Definition

somnolence

noun
som·​no·​lence ˈsäm-nə-lən(t)s How to pronounce somnolence (audio)
: the quality or state of being drowsy

More from Merriam-Webster on somnolence

Nglish: Translation of somnolence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about somnolence

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