Synonyms of latent

latent

adjective

ˈlā-tᵊnt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of latent

The number of latent cases of tuberculosis in Wyandotte County was 93. —Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025

The three main stages of the disease are primary (exposure), latent (inactive) and active TB, each reflecting whether TB germs are still contained in the lungs or are actively wreaking havoc. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 May 2025

One of the reasons why education and awareness about TB are so important is that a person with latent TB may be unknowingly harboring the microorganism for years. —Karen Dobos, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2025

The crispness of the presentation can be a little creaky, the file is massive, third-person-run animations have latent Naruto energy, and pop-in glitches abound. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 May 2025