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

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 There was nothing comfier, or more quintessentially childhood-coded, than wrapping myself in a patchwork throw and napping the entire five-and-a-half-hour drive to the family vacation home in Vermont. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 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

The American Psychological Association’s recommendations echo that, calling for limits when social media interferes with sleep or physical activity.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026
Ultron is the Oscar to Vision’s Felix, and their odd-couple bickering is the one truly pleasurable aspect of VisionQuest — Spader can do this kind of side-of-the-mouth snark in his sleep, and Bettany solidly lobs back the screwballs he gets served.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of sleep

Verb

That questioned turned into a heated debate recently in my Nextdoor website, when a fellow Monrovian posted photos of a mountain lion resting in his yard.

— Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
The most controversial element of the CFTC’s rule is forcing affiliates to receive last priority at every price in the order book regardless of when a resting order was submitted.

— Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of resting

Adjective

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
Chidgasornpongse crystallizes that cosmic doom further when Grandma Saluay falls half-asleep or stares out the van window, her mind drifting into the ether.

— Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of asleep

Noun

Indah teaches her how to run the house and even what to do in the marital bed, and Gadis looks after Firman, the one person who takes her ghost stories seriously.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Through a pair of large wood doors is the bedroom, with another oversize window and more than enough space for a king-size bed, your very own reading nook, and two walk-in closets.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 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

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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of napping

adjective

noun

verb

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