as in boredom
physical or mental inertness shocked by news of impending layoffs, the workers shuffled through their shift in a quiet stupor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun stupor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stupor are languor, lassitude, lethargy, and torpor. While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

When is languor a more appropriate choice than stupor?

The words languor and stupor can be used in similar contexts, but languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

When would lassitude be a good substitute for stupor?

The synonyms lassitude and stupor are sometimes interchangeable, but lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

Where would lethargy be a reasonable alternative to stupor?

In some situations, the words lethargy and stupor 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 it sensible to use torpor instead of stupor?

While the synonyms torpor and stupor are close in meaning, 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

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 stupor The media narrative has long painted Noel as the pragmatic, occasionally sober musician, dutifully writing the songs and leading the band while Liam peacocked in a drunken stupor as the stereotypical rock star. Matthew Ismael Ruiz, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2024 Eventually, Agatha is freed from the spell after visits from another witch, Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza), and a kid only known as Teen (Joe Locke) manage to shake Agatha out of her crime-show stupor. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 23 Sep. 2024 Right down to harms that are felt first and worst by people of color, and political systems that badly need to be shaken from their stupor. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024 Sensing the stupor her meal had induced, Gamage went in for the kill. Prasad Ramamurthy, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stupor 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupor
Noun
  • When deprived of exercise, a varied environment, and the social opportunities that the wild provides, elephants suffer from chronic frustration, boredom, and stress, resulting over time in physical disabilities, psychological disorders, and, often, brain damage.
    TJ Hutchinson, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Despite being one of the most popular smartphone makers in the world, much of the internet responded to the Samsung Galaxy S25 range with feelings somewhere between boredom and unhappiness.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Bailey recommends that people watch out for signs of lethargy, runny nose, or discharge around the eyes.
    Sarah Boden, NPR, 22 Jan. 2025
  • But to many, there appears to be a lethargy that is out of place with the club’s precarious predicament.
    Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Their bodies go into a torpor where their heart rate and metabolism slows 20% to 50%.
    Damon Arthur, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Amid the torpor of their burgeoning love, the corpses start to stack up.
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 22 Mar. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near stupor

Cite this Entry

“Stupor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupor. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stupor

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