DORMANT Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'dormant' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dormant are latent , potential , and quiescent . While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping. // their passion had lain dormant

Q: Where would 'latent' be a reasonable alternative to 'dormant'?

The words latent and dormant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop. // a latent desire for success

Q: When is it sensible to use 'potential' instead of 'dormant'?

The synonyms potential and dormant are sometimes interchangeable, but potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have. // a potential disaster

Q: When can 'quiescent' be used instead of 'dormant'?

In some situations, the words quiescent and dormant are roughly equivalent. However, quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity. // the disease was quiescent

dormant

adjective

ˈdȯr-mənt

Definition of dormant next

as in sleeping

being in a state of suspended consciousness the bears lay dormant in their den during the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vacant

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment the engine lay dormant in the garage until we found a use for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dormant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dormant are latent, potential, and quiescent. While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

Where would latent be a reasonable alternative to dormant?

The words latent and dormant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

When is it sensible to use potential instead of dormant?

The synonyms potential and dormant are sometimes interchangeable, but potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

When can quiescent be used instead of dormant?

In some situations, the words quiescent and dormant are roughly equivalent. However, quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of dormant Lying dormant for 800 years, the geological systems in the area reactivated in 2021 and have since erupted at rising frequency, with the latest outbreak being the sixth so far in 2024. —

Reuters, NBC News, 21 Nov. 2024 Juan Leo Salazar is on a mission to awaken a dormant political power in Maryland — the state’s conservative-leaning Latinos. —

Robert Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 25 Nov. 2024 The goal is to turn the dormant theater into an economic engine for South Dallas, Forest Forward president Elizabeth Wattley tells Axios. —

Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi, Axios, 22 Nov. 2024 Those narratives may lie dormant for a while — but candidates are still likely to pick them back up in future elections. —

Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dormant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant

Adjective

However, due to an unseasonably warm year with no snow, the town is vacant and tourists have all chosen other destinations.

Keith Langston, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
With a priceless historic apartment in her family’s possession that was finally vacant after decades, the decision was clear.

Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024