NAPPING Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

napping 1 of 3

adjective

as in sleeping

being in a state of suspended consciousness the napping children looked so peaceful

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napping

2 of 3

noun

as in sleep

a natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the body restores itself some people think that napping in the afternoon will keep you from sleeping well at night

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napping

3 of 3

verb

present participle of nap

as in resting

to sleep lightly or briefly decided to let the kids nap for a few more minutes before waking them

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as in dozing

to be in a state of sleep I'm just going to nap the entire afternoon

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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 napping

Noun

Exercise and napping produced similar memory performance benefits, but through different neural processes. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026 How Sleep Patterns Connect to Hemorrhoid Risk A study published in Neuropsychiatric Research in August 2026 examined whether sleep patterns like insomnia, sleep duration and daytime napping may influence the risk of developing hemorrhoids. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 By nine-thirty, people were stretched out on the soft grass, napping, reading, and revelling in the previous night’s victory. — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 When temperatures eventually dip, Shah likes keeping an extra blanket in the car—a place where many babies do their best napping, much to their parents’ delight. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026 Any signs of enthusiasm for the meal created suspicions of cook-napping. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 July 2026 Our agenda includes promenading with the official mascots, catching up on our napping, and looking in on the Pharmalot ancestor. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 2 July 2026 My 5-year-old corgi, Luna, is a dedicated burrower—any blanket, pillow or soft corner in the house quickly becomes her personal napping spot. — Jessica Moore, USA Today, 27 June 2026 The findings don’t mean long naps cause liver disease, but that napping might indicate that poor sleep, insulin resistance, or sleep apnea needs attention. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 15 June 2026

Verb

In school, this might happen when children are sitting very close to each other or napping alongside classmates. — Emily J. C. Wong, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 The large, breezy beachfront bungalows, meanwhile, have unobstructed views of the Pacific, whirlpool tubs, outside showers and hammocks that serve as prime spots for napping. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 How did researchers go about identifying the effect of exercise versus napping? — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026 Andrew was napping on a couch in the family home when he was struck up to 11 times with a hatchet. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026 Longer sleep duration was linked to about 16% higher odds, and daytime napping to about 14% higher odds. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Counterintuitively for sleep-optimization crowds, longer sleep duration was linked to about 16% higher odds, and daytime napping to about 14% higher odds, complicating the assumption that more sleep is always protective. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026 There are five sculptures, one for each of de Monteflores’s children; and Fraser herself was a toddler when the paintings on view were made, likely napping, her mother has said, while the work took shape. — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026 The data showed that sperm whales napping near the surface blew bubbles 11 times on average during their naps, compared to three or four times by those whales making a slow ascent. — ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for napping

Adjective

An autopsy showed that the infant died from asphyxiation secondary to a co-sleeping/overlay event with an unsafe sleeping environment.

— Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026

Definition of sleeping

Noun

During sleep, neurons go quiet, ROS are cleared, and damaged mitochondria are repaired or recycled.

— Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
If your wellness routine already tracks sleep, hydration and screen time, dry eye disease belongs on the list to raise with your eye doctor.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of sleep

Verb

Research suggests nasal breathing may lower the likelihood of developing allergies, and preliminary studies link resting nasal breathing to lower blood pressure than mouth breathing.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Danyl Bosomworth, founder of ice bath brand Brass Monkey, told The Independent that women tend to carry a higher body fat percentage, a smaller body surface area to volume ratio and a lower resting metabolic rate.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of resting

Adjective

Wyatt was charged again with drunken driving in May 2026 after she was found asleep at the wheel in Galveston County.

— Isaac Yu, Houston Chronicle, 16 Oct. 2026
The only reason to think this may be a game is if the Cowboys are asleep, and Jalon Daniels has some success running the ball.

— Mac Engel October 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of asleep

Noun

Rooms There are 40 tents across 7 different accommodation types at Under Canvas Moab, all with (true to its name) canvas walls, comfy beds, and views of the surrounding landscape.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2026
In 2024, the university bought the 260-bed West Hills Hospital and Medical Center in the San Fernando Valley from HCA Healthcare.

— Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of bed

Verb

After exploring or relaxing by the pool, head to the freestanding infrared sauna with optional salt halotherapy.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
The layout is geared toward indoor-outdoor living, with ample space for relaxing and entertaining across four decks.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of relaxing

Noun

Mattresses and linens are unsurprisingly comfortable—the Langham’s bedding has, after all, become synonymous with inducing deep slumbers.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
There is still time for the Republican Party to awaken from its slumber and stand up in the history of our nation for freedom-loving peoples across Europe.

— Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of slumber

Verb

Too much light snoozing each night was associated with a higher risk of poor mental health and problems with muscles and bones.

— Mike McRae September 17, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2026
The show is so cozy and soothing that the actors frequently fell asleep during takes and can be spotted snoozing in the background.

— Josh Gondelman, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of snoozing

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nappies

napping

nappy

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Style

“Napping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/napping. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of napping

adjective

noun

verb

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