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
• practical
• vigorous
• useful
• energetic
• running
• viable
• feasible
• assiduous
• usable
• sedulous

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

For Goebbels and the Nazis, propaganda was most effective when it was turned into an art—attempting to express what was already latent in the human soul. —Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026

The threat of a similarly latent attack — in which malware lies dormant in critical infrastructure systems, waiting for a signal to activate — is a real cause for concern in the sector, despite its best efforts and technological advances, experts and insiders said. —Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

Use your latent magic to shift your public persona as the moon and Pluto harmonize. —Usa Today, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026

During the investigation, latent fingerprints were recovered from glass doors at the scene and later matched to Cavender, according to the investigator. —Raul Trey Lopez, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Mar. 2026