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

Examples 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 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 The foundation for Putin’s power has been a pro-Putin—or at least quiescent—Russian population. —

Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 27 June 2023 Gasoline prices have been quiescent recently, averaging $3.56 per gallon last week, a penny less than a year ago. —

David McHugh, Fortune, 2 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for quiescent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for quiescent

Adjective

January is typically the sleepiest month on the MLB calendar, and the New York Yankees likely won’t disturb slumber much.

Brendan Kuty, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
When the sun goes down, the South Shore of Lake Tahoe is not a sleepy town.

Outside Online, Outside Online, 6 Jan. 2025