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

Relevance

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

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 dormant This eruption marks the seventh this year and the latest in a series of eruptions since 2020 that marked the reawakening of this volcanic region which had lay dormant for hundreds of years. —

Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 Some, like garden perennials, slowly shed their green leaves, pull the nutrients into the roots, and go dormant. —

Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024 But ultimately, a dormant NATO would benefit all its members. —

Sumantra Maitra, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024 The case was dormant until last year, when agents with Wisconsin's Justice Department began working with the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory to identify the remains. —

Doha Madani, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dormant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant

Adjective

Frogmore Cottage has been vacant since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were asked to vacate.

Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024
Trees obstruct a direct view of the vacant homes, which sit at the end of a long driveway atop a hill, with single-story homes and apartment complexes near its base.

Teri Figueroa, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024