Synonyms of quiescent

quiescent

adjective

kwī-ˈe-sᵊnt 

as in sleepy

slow to move or act

a group of quiescent loungers recovering from the Thanksgiving feast

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sleepy
• inactive
• inert
• torpid
• dull
• lethargic
• sluggish
• motionless
• resting
• lazy
• dormant
• indolent
• static
• apathetic
• listless
• sedentary
• shiftless
• slothful
• languorous
• asleep
• inanimate
• still
• slack
• ambitionless
• drugged
• dead
• comatose
• catatonic
• sluggardly
• drowsy
• lazyish
• dopey
• sluggard
• somnambulant
• dopy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• active
• engaged
• busy
• occupied
• dynamic
• working
• vigorous
• energetic
• lively
• kinetic
• vital
• spirited
• animated
• sprightly
• vivacious
• bouncing
• industrious
• diligent
• assiduous
• perky
• hardworking
• springy
• peppy
• zippy
• sedulous

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

Recent Examples of quiescent

In a quantum era like this one, the quiescent forces pose serious threats to financial and infrastructure systems. —Dr. Reji Thomas, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

But in just the last few years, that quiescent period ended in dramatic fashion as a string of major eruptions sent lava flowing toward many of these sites. —Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Aug. 2024

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

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