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

Examples 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 Now, on the way to his farming job, between cornfields, Rogowski drives past a handful of inactive mines. —

Karina Atkins, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024 Two of the Bears’ top nine linemen — Larry Borum and Ryan Bates — have been on Injured Reserve since Week 2 and veteran guard Nate Davis has been a healthy inactive the last two weeks due to the coaching staff’s loss of confidence in him. —

Phil Rogers, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Rookie Jordan Whittington was inactive for the second game in a row because of a shoulder injury. —

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 Also inactive are emergency quarterback Joshua Dobbs, linebacker Jalen Graham, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and offensive lineman Ben Bartch. —

Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inactive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inactive

Adjective

So wash your legs and get your tickets, because sleepy bitches don’t get to go to fun reunions.

Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Continue reading to learn more about Telluride, Deer Valley, and the other sleepy ski towns making a stir in the western states.

Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 4 Nov. 2024