INACTIVE Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'inactive' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of inactive are idle , inert , passive , and supine . While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work. // on inactive status as an astronaut // inactive accounts

Q: When could 'idle' be used to replace 'inactive'?

In some situations, the words idle and inactive are roughly equivalent. However, idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements. // workers were idle in the fields

Q: When can 'inert' be used instead of 'inactive'?

The words inert and inactive can be used in similar contexts, but inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity. // inert ingredients in drugs // an inert citizenry

Q: When is it sensible to use 'passive' instead of 'inactive'?

The words passive and inactive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control. // passive resistance

Q: When is 'supine' a more appropriate choice than 'inactive'?

The meanings of supine and inactive largely overlap; however, supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence. // a supine willingness to play the fool

inactive

adjective

(ˌ)i-ˈnak-tiv

Definition of inactive next

as in sleepy

slow to move or act it's easiest to catch snakes early in the morning, while they're still cold and inactive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dormant

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment an inactive oil well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inactive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of inactive are idle, inert, passive, and supine. While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut

inactive accounts

When could idle be used to replace inactive?

In some situations, the words idle and inactive are roughly equivalent. However, idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

When can inert be used instead of inactive?

The words inert and inactive can be used in similar contexts, but inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.

inert ingredients in drugs

an inert citizenry

When is it sensible to use passive instead of inactive?

The words passive and inactive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.

passive resistance

When is supine a more appropriate choice than inactive?

The meanings of supine and inactive largely overlap; however, supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

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 inactive The Chiefs’ inactive starters on Sunday included quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, McDuffie, defensive end George Karlaftis, offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor, running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive lineman Chris Jones. —

Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025 Swing tackle Cornelius Lucas (groin) was inactive Sunday. —

Ben Standig, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025 With the playoffs potentially at stake on Sunday, the Miami Dolphins will be without their starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is listed as inactive for Week 18 against the New York Jets per NFL insider Tom Pelissero. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 This was first reported by Kevin K. Cruz has been inactive for more than two years. —

Brian Mazique, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inactive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inactive

Adjective

This southern island in the country’s archipelago is a sleepy place, a welcome respite from the development, sometimes overdevelopment, going on elsewhere in the region including the country’s main island Providenciales.

— Laurie Werner, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
The once relatively sleepy city, long overshadowed by its neighbor Como, has now woken up—and established itself as a destination unto itself.

— Madeline Weinfield, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025