DORMANT Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of dormant are latent , potential , and quiescent . While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping. // their passion had lain dormant

Q: Where would 'latent' be a reasonable alternative to 'dormant'?

The words latent and dormant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop. // a latent desire for success

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

The synonyms potential and dormant are sometimes interchangeable, but potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have. // a potential disaster

Q: When can 'quiescent' be used instead of 'dormant'?

In some situations, the words quiescent and dormant are roughly equivalent. However, quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity. // the disease was quiescent

dormant

adjective

ˈdȯr-mənt

Definition of dormant next

as in sleeping

being in a state of suspended consciousness the bears lay dormant in their den during the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vacant

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment the engine lay dormant in the garage until we found a use for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dormant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dormant are latent, potential, and quiescent. While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

Where would latent be a reasonable alternative to dormant?

The words latent and dormant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

When is it sensible to use potential instead of dormant?

The synonyms potential and dormant are sometimes interchangeable, but potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

When can quiescent be used instead of dormant?

In some situations, the words quiescent and dormant are roughly equivalent. However, quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of dormant There is no need to water dormant turf unless the soil is excessively dry, advises Park and Smith. —

Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2025 Many plants go dormant, with their tops dying back and all their energy stored safely below ground. —

Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025 The five-square-mile island is almost entirely a hilly volcano (dormant, don’t worry) and with very little flat land to host an airport. —

Johanna Read, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 In this case, the sheer size of the dormant black hole suggests that our standard models may not fully explain how holes of this magnitude form and grow. —

Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dormant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant

Adjective

The Code Blue took effect Sunday night — before a body was pulled from a burning and vacant home on North Avenue.

— Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2025
Demolition so far is confined to smaller buildings at the northeast corner of the property, but will swing to the west to take in the residential buildings of the vacant Howe Developmental Center, part of the 280-acre property northwest of 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue.

— Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025