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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of dormant With the Dodgers' dominance, winning the National League West in 11 of the last 12 seasons, the dormant rivalry needs to be reignited, Krueger said. —

Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 Located on the Big Island, dormant volcano Mauna Kea offers both the highest peak in Hawai‘i as well as the best stargazing opportunities in the region. —

Nile Cappello, AFAR Media, 27 Dec. 2024 Among the junk − or potential artifacts for some kind of museum on a future Martian colony, depending on your viewpoint − are discarded tools, crashed spacecraft and dormant equipment that reached the end of its usefulness. —

Stephen J. Beard, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024 His channel, which boasts 5.76 million subscribers, has laid dormant since July. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dormant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant

Adjective

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the blaze around 11 a.m. on South Hope Street, arriving to find the four-story vacant building on fire, according to a department news release.

Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024
The structure fire was located on the top floor of the vacant four-story building located at 1246 S Hope St. A total of 17 fire companies and more than 100 firefighters, knocked down the blaze in 1 hour and 37 minutes, the LAFD said.

Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 26 Dec. 2024