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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of dormant But the dormant galaxy from which these radio bursts are originating should not contain this type of young star, according to a paper published Wednesday in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. —

Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 Jan. 2025 Context: Amodei's district is home to several projects backed by the DOE Loan Programs Office that went dormant under Trump 1.0 and that Republicans have urged to immediately freeze. —

Daniel Moore, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025 Before a handful of posts in the past week, the HSI Honolulu X account had been dormant since July 2024. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025 Hanif Kureishi is tweeting for his life Two weeks after the accident, Carlo, one of his three sons, revived the dormant Substack, The Kureishi Chronicles, that his father had once launched. —

Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dormant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant

Adjective

The vacant site owned by Wellstar suddenly became a lucrative opportunity for developers looking to cash in on its prime location in the booming Old Fourth Ward neighborhood.

— Kristal Dixon, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025
Her council seat would become vacant and filled by appointment, requiring the vote of at least four council members within 30 days.

— Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025