sleepy
28 synonyms and 2 antonyms for sleepy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Tired and wanting to sleep.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use sleepy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English *slǣpiġ, built from "sleep" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y."
Full origin of sleepy →Frequently asked questions
What does “sleepy” mean?
The word “sleepy” means tired and wanting to sleep. In plain terms, feeling drowsy, or (of a place) quiet and uneventful.
How do you pronounce “sleepy”?
“Sleepy” is pronounced SLEE-pee (/ˈsliːpi/ in IPA).
How do you use “sleepy” in a sentence?
Here is “sleepy” used in a sentence: “The baby got sleepy right after dinner.”
What is another word for “sleepy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sleepy” include adrowse, bedroomy, dozy, dopey, dragging one's tail and drowsy.
What is the opposite of “sleepy”?
The opposite of “sleepy” — its antonyms — are nonsleepy and unsleepy.
What part of speech is “sleepy”?
“Sleepy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sleepy” come from?
The word “sleepy” comes from Old English. From Old English *slǣpiġ, built from "sleep" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y.".
Is “sleepy” a common word?
“Sleepy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between sleepy and tired?
Sleepy specifically describes feeling tired and wanting to sleep, while tired more broadly covers general fatigue or exhaustion, whether or not sleep is wanted. Someone can be tired from exertion without being sleepy, and vice versa.
Can sleepy describe a place rather than a person?
Yes, sleepy can describe a quiet, inactive town or place with little going on, not just a person's physical state. A "sleepy village" simply means one that feels calm and uneventful.
What is the difference between sleepy and drowsy?
Both words describe wanting sleep, but drowsy often suggests a heavier, more sluggish state right on the edge of falling asleep. Sleepy is the more general, everyday term for feeling ready for sleep.
Is sleepy a formal or informal word?
Sleepy is a neutral, everyday word that works comfortably in both casual conversation and more formal writing.