Synonyms of dormant

dormant

adjective

ˈdȯr-mənt 

1

as in sleeping

being in a state of suspended consciousness

the bears lay dormant in their den during the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sleeping
• asleep
• resting
• at rest
• slumbering
• napping
• dozing
• comatose
• somnolent
• nodding
• dreaming
• slumberous
• drowsy
• sleepy
• semiconscious
• hypnotized
• somnambulant
• sleepwalking
• reposing
• mesmerized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• awake
• aware
• wakeful
• sleepless
• conscious
• wide-awake
• sleepless
• revived
• aroused
• up
• awakened
• roused
• reawakened
• astir
• wakened

2

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

• vacant
• idle
• unused
• off
• dead
• inactive
• latent
• inert
• free
• fallow
• inoperative
• at rest
• suspended
• out of commission
• asleep
• on the shelf
• useless
• unusable
• quiescent
• slow
• unoccupied
• interrupted
• comatose
• moribund
• arrested
• lifeless
• sleepy
• abeyant
• inoperable
• unworkable
• dull

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• active
• operating
• alive
• on
• functioning
• operative
• busy
• working
• operational
• employed
• living
• functional
• going
• workable
• running
• operable
• industrious
• vigorous
• useful
• energetic
• viable
• practical
• feasible
• usable
• assiduous
• sedulous

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

Recent Examples of dormant

By revitalizing dormant follicles and promoting the transition from the telogen phase back to anagen, the Minoxidil hair regrowth treatment reduces the overall quantity of hair lost. —Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

By revitalizing dormant follicles and promoting the transition from the telogen phase back to anagen, minoxidil reduces the overall quantity of hair lost. —Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

Aggressive turning or tilling harms microorganisms, kills beneficial insects and earthworms, increases erosion, removes air pockets, releases carbon into the atmosphere and brings dormant weed seeds to the surface, where conditions are perfect for their growth. —ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026

Even in making the assumption that an offense that sat dormant for too long last year will be jump-started by Brandon Nimmo, by a healthy Evan Carter, by a star-in-waiting in Wyatt Langford, this rotation has to be one of the league’s best for Texas to stand a chance. —Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 23 Mar. 2026