TORPOR Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'torpor' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of torpor are languor , lassitude , lethargy , and stupor . While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness. // a once alert mind now in a torpor

Q: In what contexts can 'languor' take the place of 'torpor'?

The words languor and torpor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love. // languor induced by a tropical vacation

Q: When can 'lassitude' be used instead of 'torpor'?

While in some cases nearly identical to torpor , lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health. // a depression marked by lassitude

Q: When would 'lethargy' be a good substitute for 'torpor'?

In some situations, the words lethargy and torpor are roughly equivalent. However, lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs. // months of lethargy followed my accident

Q: When is 'stupor' a more appropriate choice than 'torpor'?

While the synonyms stupor and torpor are close in meaning, stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants. // lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

torpor

noun

ˈtȯr-pər

Definition of torpor next

as in disregard

lack of interest or concern after a lifetime of setbacks, defeats, and failures, he could only greet the latest bad news with a resigned fatalism and dull torpor

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as in boredom

physical or mental inertness following a gut-busting Thanksgiving dinner, we spent the rest of the day lounging about in a contented torpor

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How does the noun torpor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of torpor are languor, lassitude, lethargy, and stupor. While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness.

a once alert mind now in a torpor

In what contexts can languor take the place of torpor?

The words languor and torpor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

When can lassitude be used instead of torpor?

While in some cases nearly identical to torpor, lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

When would lethargy be a good substitute for torpor?

In some situations, the words lethargy and torpor are roughly equivalent. However, lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.

months of lethargy followed my accident

When is stupor a more appropriate choice than torpor?

While the synonyms stupor and torpor are close in meaning, stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

Examples of torpor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The agony of midnight massacre, the frenzy of the ship’s dungeon, the living death of the middle-passage, the wails of separation, the dismal torpor of hopeless servitude—are these found only in the piracy of the slave trade? —

Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2024 During torpor, grizzly bears can wake up and move around, contrary to popular belief that bears sleep during their entire hibernation, according to the organization. —

Makiya Seminera, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 When Adam’s torpor is interrupted one night by building-mate Harry (Paul Mescal), he’s initially put off by Harry’s louche, slightly shambolic demeanor; eventually, though, Harry’s easy bravado wears Adam down and the two embark on a tentative affair. —

Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2023 In a region of Southern California that wildlife authorities call a human-black bear conflict zone, the impending arrival of spring in this small mountain village is met with dread and fear as the hungry giants emerge from their winter torpor to search for food. —

Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for torpor

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'torpor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.