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 The Cleveland Clinic notes that as bedtime approaches, the body begins lowering its core temperature as part of the circadian rhythm that signals drowsiness. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 In addition, both magnesium and L-theanine do not cause daytime drowsiness, so they can be taken at any time. — Emmanuella Ogbonna, HEALTH, 2 Oct. 2026 Provincial traffic police said driver fatigue and drowsiness caused the crash. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 Overdosing on the drug can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, coma and possible death. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Mild effects, such as drowsiness, headache, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting, are common. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 But Peasley also lives with Type 1 diabetes and wanted to avoid the potential fogginess and drowsiness that can accompany anesthesia. — Marlee Ginter, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drowsiness
  1. sleepiness
  2. fatigue
  3. somnolence
  4. sleeping
Noun
  • Advertisement Tell your doctor about the pauses, gasping, and any daytime sleepiness.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Hufanga explained that the drink’s effects can act like alcohol, inducing muscle relaxation, sleepiness, and feelings of well-being.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of sleepiness
Noun
  • Indeed, even after modern jeans were invented in the late 19th century, denim continued to be used to make such apparel as work jackets, prison uniforms, naval fatigues, and jumpsuits.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But many live with fatigue, weakness, brain fog and other symptoms for months or years before a deficiency is caught.
    — Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 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
  • In November 2005, church volunteer Scott Preston Moore entered sleeping quarters at night and inappropriately touched two teenage boys.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Downstairs is a spacious sleeping area that could also work as a gym or home office and benefits from an enormous skylight equipped with automatic blackout shades.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 19 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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