Synonyms of dormant

dormant

adjective

ˈdȯr-mənt 

1

as in sleeping

being in a state of suspended consciousness

the bears lay dormant in their den during the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sleeping
• asleep
• resting
• at rest
• slumbering
• napping
• dozing
• slumbrous
• comatose
• somnolent
• nodding
• dreaming
• slumberous
• drowsy
• sleepy
• semiconscious
• hypnotized
• somnambulant
• sleepwalking
• reposing
• mesmerized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• awake
• aware
• wakeful
• sleepless
• conscious
• wide-awake
• sleepless
• revived
• aroused
• up
• awakened
• roused
• reawakened
• astir
• wakened

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vacant
• idle
• unused
• off
• dead
• inactive
• latent
• inert
• free
• fallow
• inoperative
• at rest
• suspended
• out of commission
• asleep
• on the shelf
• useless
• unusable
• quiescent
• slow
• unoccupied
• interrupted
• comatose
• moribund
• arrested
• lifeless
• sleepy
• abeyant
• inoperable
• unworkable
• dull

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• active
• operating
• alive
• on
• functioning
• operative
• busy
• working
• operational
• employed
• living
• functional
• going
• workable
• running
• operable
• industrious
• vigorous
• useful
• energetic
• viable
• practical
• feasible
• usable
• assiduous
• sedulous
• useable

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

Recent Examples of dormant

Cluster bombs are banned by more than 100 countries because of their devastating impact, spreading multiple submunitions or bomblets over an area as large as a city block, and that can kill, maim, and also lie dormant until triggered. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 6 Apr. 2025

This volcano was reportedly dormant for 800 years before awakening in 2023. —Michael Capetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2025

Factors such as dormant grass, wind velocity and direction, and precipitation are evaluated when determining when the burns will be conducted, the release said. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025

Westlake Hospital sits dormant along Lake Avenue in Melrose Park. —Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025