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

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 The project lay dormant until 2022, with the release of the Klipsch Jubilee, the flagship of the Heritage line, which uses the active crossover to achieve maximum performance. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025 For years, Delgado’s project lay dormant, but the idea never faded. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Worst of all, local and state government agencies have shown an increasing tendency to fend off public-records requests with barriers like unjustified fees or a simple cold shoulder, letting records requests lie dormant for weeks or months with no response. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025 While her blood was found inside the vehicle, there was no other trace of her and her bank accounts remained dormant. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dormant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant
Adjective
  • The 27-year-old Ennis (33-0-0-1 with 29 knockouts) won the vacant IBF interim welterweight crown in January 2023 with a unanimous decision victory over Karen Chukhadzhian.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The now vacant patch of land is roughly a mile west of Interstate 35W, within walking distance of a post office, a gas station, a high school and miles of subdivisions.
    Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most residents in the beachfront luxury condominium at Surfside were asleep in their beds when their 12-story residential building shuddered and then collapsed, pinning sleeping residents between the heavy concrete slabs of each floor.
    Bruce Strom, Sun Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Screaming for help Most people in the Plum Bay neighborhood were asleep before dawn on Sunday, Feb. 16.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These men would have long periods of time being idle, and the contrast between boredom and peril is pretty extreme.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
  • At 45-32, the Clippers are tied with the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves and No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies, who were both idle.
    Janis Carr, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • All unused animal parts—from hooves to stomachs—are composted, turning waste into nutrient-rich soil instead of sending it to landfills.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Here’s how to uninstall unused apps: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Last-minute fixes were still being made, and some Cubs players trickled into the clubhouse to put stuff in their lockers or work out on their off day.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • 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, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Matthew Terrell Collins Sr., 58, and Matthew Terrell Collins Jr., 29, were pronounced dead at the scene around 6:06 p.m.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • On the second day of the year, police responded to a call where a father and his son and daughter were found dead.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Gene Simmons Band went on hiatus in the fall of 2018 and remained inactive until last April.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
  • One small study was conducted in humans with obesity who received ACV for 12 weeks and followed a low-calorie diet compared to a group taking a placebo (inactive treatment given to people in a study control group).
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormant. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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