QUIESCENT Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of quiescent are dormant , latent , and potential . While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity. // the disease was quiescent

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dormant' instead of 'quiescent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to quiescent , dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping. // their passion had lain dormant

Q: When is 'latent' a more appropriate choice than 'quiescent'?

The words latent and quiescent can be used in similar contexts, but 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 'potential' be a reasonable alternative to 'quiescent'?

In some situations, the words potential and quiescent are roughly equivalent. However, potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have. // a potential disaster

quiescent

adjective

kwī-ˈe-sᵊnt

Definition of quiescent next

as in sleepy

slow to move or act a group of quiescent loungers recovering from the Thanksgiving feast

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word quiescent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quiescent are dormant, latent, and potential. While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

When is it sensible to use dormant instead of quiescent?

While in some cases nearly identical to quiescent, dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

When is latent a more appropriate choice than quiescent?

The words latent and quiescent can be used in similar contexts, but 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 potential be a reasonable alternative to quiescent?

In some situations, the words potential and quiescent are roughly equivalent. However, potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

Example 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 quiescent In 2019, a routine observation by the Zwicky scope noticed a previously unheralded quiescent galaxy called SDSS1335+0728, 300 million light-years away, suddenly brighten. —

Daniel Clery, science.org, 3 July 2024 Of the 86 galaxies that seemed to have shifted from quiescent to AGN, the researchers studied 18 with new observations using the Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) Telescope. —

Daniel Clery, science.org, 3 July 2024 As children pass into their teens and young adulthood, asthma will often go quiescent. —

Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 25 June 2024 Human stem cells are born into the bone marrow and then go quiescent, waiting for the body to call out to them to grow and differentiate. —

Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 5 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for quiescent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for quiescent

Adjective

Unlike other beach towns in Texas, Matagorda Bay is sleepy.

— Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2025
Penrod, 85, spent much of his life transforming Miami Beach through his ownership of bars and restaurants, helping change the city from a once sleepy retirement community into a resort destination.

— Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025