quiescent

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adjective qui·es·cent \ kwī-ˈe-sᵊnt , kwē- \

Definition of quiescent

1 :marked by inactivity or repose :tranquilly at rest

2 :causing no trouble or symptoms

quiescent gallstones

—

quiescently

adverb

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Examples of quiescent in a Sentence

a group of quiescent loungers recovering from the Thanksgiving feast

Recent Examples of quiescent from the Web

Once all the food has been absorbed, the python’s organs shrink back to their quiescent state.

— daniel engber, New York Times, "When the Lab Rat Is a Snake," 17 May 2017
These proposals are largely quiescent for the moment.

— matt ford, The Atlantic, "Will the Supreme Court Defend Citizenship?," 2 May 2017
Interestingly, woody plants’ roots do not enter full dormancy, but become quiescent [, as] adverse environmental conditions trigger a sort of resting state, which can then be broken once conditions improve.

— bonnie blodgett, Twin Cities, "Blundering Gardener: Your soil is your soil. Or is it?," 14 Jan. 2017
Opponents also miscalculated the willingness of a critical mass of ordinary Syrians, including many who dislike Mr. Assad, to remain quiescent for fear of uncertain alternatives.

— anne barnard, New York Times, "The Scorpion’s Tale: Did Assad Take Putin for a Ride?," 22 Mar. 2016
Economists attribute America’s remarkable run of roaring growth combined with quiescent inflation in part to productivity gains resulting from the broad application of high technology through the economy.

— reuters, WIRED, "Abby J. Cohen Gets Optimistic," 5 Apr. 2000

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'quiescent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Quiescent won't cause you any pain, and neither will its synonyms "latent," "dormant," and "potential," at least not immediately. All four words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence." "Latent" usually applies to something that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop, as in "a latent desire for success." "Dormant" implies a state of inactivity similar to sleep, as in "their passions lay dormant." "Potential" applies to what may or may not come to be. "A potential disaster" is a typical example. "Quiescent," which traces to the Latin quiescere (meaning "to become quiet" or "to rest"), often suggests a temporary cessation of activity, as in "a quiescent disease" or "a summer resort quiescent in wintertime."

Origin and Etymology of quiescent

Latin quiescent-, quiescens, present participle of quiescere to become quiet, rest, from quies

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1605

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quiescent Synonyms

Synonyms

dull, inert, lethargic, inactive, sleepy, sluggish, torpid

Antonyms

active

Related Words

ambitionless, apathetic, indolent, languorous, lazy, lazyish, listless, shiftless, slack, slothful, sluggard, sluggardly; dormant, inanimate, motionless, resting, sedentary, static, still; dead; dopey (also dopy), drugged; asleep, drowsy, somnambulant; catatonic, comatose

Near Antonyms

busy, engaged, occupied, working; animated, bouncing, dynamic, energetic, kinetic, lively, peppy, perky, spirited, sprightly, springy, vigorous, vital, vivacious, zippy; assiduous, diligent, hardworking, industrious, sedulous

Synonym Discussion of quiescent

latent, dormant, quiescent, potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence. latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.