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

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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

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 dormant Her evidence kit sat dormant until 2018 when it was tested and identified the man who left his semen behind. —

Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024 Excessive watering of a dormant bulb is harmful and may cause the bulb to rot. —

Janet Carson, arkansasonline.com, 30 Dec. 2024 Taggers have marked up what appears to be more than 25 stories of a downtown Los Angeles skyscraper that’s been sitting dormant for several years. —

Times Photography Staff, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024 Surrounded by the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system, spanning over 11,000 square miles, the Red Sea has more than 90 untouched islands, pristine beaches, dormant volcanoes, sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons and historical cultural sites. —

Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dormant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant

Adjective

But those looking to move into a vacant apartment because of the fires are likely to face significantly higher rents.

Chris Isidore, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
According to Greenhouse, companies sometimes post these vacant positions to create a false sense of growth or to attract talent for future openings that may never materialize.

Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 14 Jan. 2025