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

Like Robbie Ray, the first hard-to-evaluate starting pitcher in this series, there’s certainly enough latent talent in Harrison’s left arm to make the Giants optimistic about their expectations. —Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025

Certain triggers make the disease more likely to go from latent to active, including air pollution and an immune system weakened by malnutrition, stress, or diabetes. —John Green, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025

From 2015 to 2017, Atlanta experienced 170 cases of TB and more than 400 latent cases through outbreaks in homeless shelters. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2025

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 67 active infections of the highly contagious respiratory disease are currently being treated, along with 79 latent infections, meaning patients are asymptomatic and cannot pass TB to others. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2025