LATENT Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'latent' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of latent are dormant , potential , and quiescent . While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop. // a latent desire for success

Q: Where would 'dormant' be a reasonable alternative to 'latent'?

While the synonyms dormant and latent are close in meaning, dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping. // their passion had lain dormant

Q: When can 'potential' be used instead of 'latent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to latent , potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have. // a potential disaster

Q: When would 'quiescent' be a good substitute for 'latent'?

In some situations, the words quiescent and latent are roughly equivalent. However, quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity. // the disease was quiescent

latent

adjective

ˈlā-tᵊnt

Definition of latent next

as in dormant

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment he has a latent talent for acting that he hasn't had a chance to express yet

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How is the word latent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of latent are dormant, potential, and quiescent. While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

Where would dormant be a reasonable alternative to latent?

While the synonyms dormant and latent are close in meaning, dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

When can potential be used instead of latent?

While in some cases nearly identical to latent, potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

When would quiescent be a good substitute for latent?

In some situations, the words quiescent and latent are roughly equivalent. However, quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

Examples of latent in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Experts at Wharton and elsewhere are winners of the 2024 Jacobs Levy Center Best Paper prize for an empirical study that found the common latent risk factors across stocks, bonds, and options. —

Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024 But another reason might be a latent hunger for rock that’s abstracted, collaborative, and sensation-first. —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2024 Other campaigns, too, are watching with more than a little trepidation: if a latent anti-incumbent seed is blooming so late in Nebraska, where else might shockingly tight contests emerge? Make sense of what matters in Washington. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024 An unusually silky wine with brisk acidity, latent and soft but layered tannins, rambunctious fruit and dark licorice with a long finish of raspberry tart flavors. —

Tom Mullen, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for latent