Synonym Chooser

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

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 torpor The current two parties have been unable to deal with the resulting mounting debt and economic torpor. R. Glenn Hubbard, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2013 But the tryptophan/carb combo is only part of the reason for your torpor. Nick Stockton, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2024 Throughout months of hibernation, these 2-3 week periods of torpor are interspersed with one or two day bouts of arousal. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 28 Nov. 2024 Last week’s attacks seem to have awoken French politicians from this torpor. Jonathan Laurence, Foreign Affairs, 16 Jan. 2015 See All Example Sentences for torpor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torpor
Noun
  • Second, the complete disregard for the speed limit adds to a sense of lawlessness in our city.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Court records also show Mabry, of Oakland, has two prior felony convictions: second-degree robbery in February 2013 and evading an officer with willful disregard for public safety in June 2022.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Some people snack at night to cope with stress, boredom, or sadness.
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Quotidian excursions to the post office or the bank can create valuable opportunities for boredom, too.
    The Learning Network, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At the time, Riley wasn’t even talking about Herro, but rather of another year of seeming regular-season indifference from Jimmy Butler and the sometimes schedule of the since-dealt disgruntled forward Still, that’s what made last week’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks so meaningful for Herro.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
  • An informal survey of non-students around downtown Elon Wednesday suggested at least a touch of indifference.
    Josh Shaffer, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But she was bothered by the attendant weight gain and lethargy.
    Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Other symptoms of milk allergy can include vomiting, diarrhea, rectal bleed, lethargy, etc.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In 1994 of this reimagined America, Michelle (Brown) is a rebellious foster teen who lost her family in a car accident and wants nothing to do with people, most of whom mainly exist in a VR stupor powered by Skate’s Apple-esque mega company.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But Billy seems to be coming out of his post-Claudia stupor and recognizes that Olympia is picking Matty for her big assignments repeatedly.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Torpor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torpor. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on torpor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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