1
as in sleeping
being in a state of suspended consciousness
the bears lay dormant in their den during the winter
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Recent Examples of dormant
The historic theater at 2401 N. Main St. reopened in 2021 after sitting dormant for nearly 30 years.
—
Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2025
However, hair follicles may become dormant due to one or more factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic predispositions, aging or environmental stressors.
—Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025
And if reactivating dormant HSV-1 can trigger the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, there are probably a number of ways this can occur beyond an exposure to VZV.
—Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
The study also speculated potential future Alzheimer’s problems may arise from the COVID-19 pandemic as SARS-CoV-2 infections have been known to reactivate dormant VSV and HSV-1 infections.
—Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormant
Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2025
However, hair follicles may become dormant due to one or more factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic predispositions, aging or environmental stressors.
—Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025
And if reactivating dormant HSV-1 can trigger the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, there are probably a number of ways this can occur beyond an exposure to VZV.
—Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
The study also speculated potential future Alzheimer’s problems may arise from the COVID-19 pandemic as SARS-CoV-2 infections have been known to reactivate dormant VSV and HSV-1 infections.
—Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant
Adjective
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The council recently appointed Roberts to fill a vacant seat.—
Greg Wehner,
Fox News,
13 Mar. 2025
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Tourists will still come by the thousands to admire the monuments, even if some of the big stone buildings turn vacant, like the ruins of the Roman Forum.—
Alec MacGillis,
ProPublica,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The victims' roommates have said all the occupants of the rental house near the University of Idaho campus were home and asleep or in their rooms by 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2022.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA TODAY,
7 Mar. 2025
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In a video posted on March 4, which has already been viewed 1.5 million times, a three-day-old Alex lies fast asleep in his owner's arms, taking a nap in the sun.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Rheinmetall, the German defense giant once controlled by the Third Reich, is considering acquiring one of Volkswagen's soon-to-be idle plants, exploring ways to repurpose existing automotive infrastructure for military production.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
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People who have lots of weak ties, who make eye contact and idle chitchat with baristas and neighbors, feel happier than those who don’t, her studies find.—
Olga Khazan,
Vox,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Telogen Stage The telogen stage of the hair cycle is a resting phase, during which the hair doesn't grow, and the follicle is dormant.1 About 10% to 15% of the hairs on your body are in this resting phase at any one time, which typically lasts for a few months.—
Nancy LeBrun,
Verywell Health,
13 Jan. 2025
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Green Bay could finish as high as sixth in the NFC if the resting Rams lose to the 49ers, potentially setting up a first-round matchup against the division-rival Lions.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
6 Jan. 2024
Adjective
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In some cases unused funds can fund a Roth IRA for the beneficiary.—
Brian Boswell,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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Before placing these cool-weather items away, take a few minutes to declutter and determine if any items went unused.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Stewart’s on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but his motor doesn’t have an off switch.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 2025
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Park officials later discovered the remains in the original search area using a human remains detection canine during an off-trail grid search.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The official said the group accepted a proposal from mediators to release Alexander and the bodies of four dead dual national hostages as an exception.—
Ibrahim Dahman,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025
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The French Connection star, 95, and his classical pianist wife, 65 — who opted to live a quiet life in New Mexico away from the spotlight — were found dead at their property in Santa Fe Summit on Wednesday, Feb. 26.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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All three wells are currently inactive and are not providing water for the community, Kohlmann said.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2025
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This is comparable in effect to regularly smoking and excessive drinking, being obese and physically inactive.—
João Medeiros,
WIRED,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormant. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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