repose 1 of 3

noun

Definition of reposenext
1
as in resting
a natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the body restores itself typically the wealthy socialite spends most of the morning in repose, is served lunch, and then embarks on an exhaustive afternoon of shopping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restfulness
a state of freedom from storm or disturbance enjoyed the repose of a serene summer evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in rest
freedom from activity or labor the doctor ordered a period of repose for the patient recovering from pneumonia

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in composure
evenness of emotions or temper her repose in the face of the screaming demonstrators was impressive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

repose

2 of 3

verb (1)

ri-ˈpōz How to pronounce repose (audio)
1
as in to lie
to remain out of sight a little-explored region beneath which vast mineral reserves are said to repose

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to relax
to refrain from labor or exertion reposed in the Caribbean sun, enjoying her break from the world of work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

repose

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to hand
to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another the Constitution reposes the power to declare war to Congress, and to that body alone

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 repose
Noun
Likewise, the respite afforded by the twin hydration breaks has also reduced the need for improvised periods of gentlemanly repose, which in turn has lessened the demand for the chilly spray. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026 This contributed to beautiful surprises, moments of repose, and bold flavors on each day of my visit. — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Verb
And the Mass, in its very Catholic nature, is really focused on … repose for the departed, to bring their souls from purgatory to heaven in the afterlife. — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2026 Oscar Wilde, for example, reposes beneath a hulking deity whose iconoclastic castration, back in 1961, did little to restrain pilgrims seeking to smear red lips across his stony physique. — Emily Cox, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for repose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repose
  1. resting
  2. restfulness
  3. rest
  4. composure
  5. lie
  6. relax
  7. hand
  8. sleep
Noun
  • This group has promoted the Durupınar site as the resting place of Noah’s Ark since at least 2021.
    — Eric Vanden Eykel, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026
  • On an autumn day in 1860, a bearded British man visited George Washington’s tomb at his final resting place in Virginia.
    — Nicky Robertson, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of resting
Noun
  • The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness.
    — Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    — Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Definition of restfulness
Noun
  • The routine consisted of four two-minute sessions separated by two minutes of seated rest, monitored using heart-rate straps to ensure consistent effort.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • But the practice of long rest cures had waned in Switzerland in the nineteen-nineties, in part because health insurers stopped fully covering extended stays at spas and wellness centers.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of rest
Noun
  • In eleven years of service, Masha had never heard her mistress speak with such lack of composure.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Lily responds with monk-like composure in response to Jackie’s rude queries.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of composure
Verb
  • The attack ads that exaggerate and lie about their opponents, without mentioning their myopic support for their dear leader whose baggage has destroyed America’s standing in the world, are astounding.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Oren filmed the assault while Rosen lay limp on his bed, and emailed the video to the friend.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of lie
Verb
  • Each has an ofuro tub, steam shower, infrared sauna, relaxing area to take tea and fruit after a treatment, and an outside garden area with a plunge pool and an outdoor shower.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In one photo, Hudson showed off her toned figure in a bright red bandeau bikini while relaxing on the beach with her fiancé, Danny Fujikawa.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of relax
Verb
  • Ingrid spotted my car, greeted me with a big hug, and handed me a glass of white wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Queen Camilla, who wears the midi and maxidresses, took her admiration for Me+Em a step further, handing the brand a Royal Warrant as an official supplier of clothing and accessories to the royal household.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of hand
Noun
  • What readers are saying The comments discuss various aspects of maintaining health and well-being as one ages, emphasizing the importance of exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and mental activity.
    — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Symptoms included fatigue, headaches, poor sleep and concentration, and a vague inability to keep up with the increasing pace of demands of the age.
    — Kirsten Balin, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sleep

Browse Nearby Words

reports
repose
reposed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repose. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of grotesque

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All