Definition of dormantnext

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

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 For the best results, use its gummies to help stall the process from within; apply its serum daily to repair damaged follicles; and schedule professional sessions for its Xvie XO Concentrate, a peptide- and exosome-rich treatment designed to reactivate dormant follicles. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 19 June 2026 Despite a disappointing exit from Omaha, Nebraska, especially considering that power largely went dormant at Charles Schwab Field, Georgia has vaulted back into the national conversation under coach Wes Johnson, who was hired in 2023. Sarah Spencer, AJC.com, 18 June 2026 Freezing outdoor temperatures can kill adult fleas, but flea pupae can live inside cocoons and remain dormant until the weather warms up. Alora Bopray, USA Today, 18 June 2026 When the plants go dormant in winter, cut the runner connecting the mother plant to the daughter plant. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dormant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant
Adjective
  • An autopsy showed that the infant died from asphyxiation secondary to a co-sleeping/overlay event with an unsafe sleeping environment.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For decades, the north campus had no resident population, remaining a collection of vacant deteriorating buildings and residential programs for physical and mental health recovery.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Then, seven years ago, Cohen snagged a rare vacant plot for sale—modest in scale, at roughly half an acre, but blessed with pristine ocean frontage and perfect for the family escape of his imagination.
    Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to the arrest report, the victim had fallen asleep while seated at the dining room table.
    Anna McAllister, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • At least one was an infant, asleep in the back seat.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • That’s 10 years of farming around idle pump jacks and tabulating acres damaged by fluid leaks.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • Standard charging can slow things down if trucks have to sit idle for too long.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • That’s because when the body experiences physical stress, including losing weight quickly, more hairs can shift into a resting phase and fall out a few months later — typically two to three months after the event, Rossi explains.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Feb. 2026
  • This is a condition where, due to stress or hormonal changes, the body puts the hair follicles into a resting phase.
    Essence, Essence, 19 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Cancel unused subscriptions, negotiate recurring bills, pick up extra shifts or sell unused items around your home.
    Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Add those numbers up, and the league as a whole is expected to have roughly $208 million of unused cap space during the 2026-27 season.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • For a team that began the season with off days coming at a premium, a brief stretch with two open dates is a respite from the wear and tear of a long season.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 25 June 2026
  • His shot diet is already optimized for the league, his frame holds up in physical matchups and his off-ball activity gives coaches a willing piece to weave into screen and handoff actions.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Both were pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 28 June 2026
  • Satellite photos showed the destruction in Venezuela left by two powerful earthquakes that struck Wednesday and left more than 900 people dead.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormant. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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