1
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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dormant
Verzuz has been dormant for the better part of three years, with the last battles coming in 2022 with Cypress Hill and Onyx, 8 Ball & MJG versus UGK, Omarion against Mario and Luny Tunes versus DJ Nelson.
—
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
For Abdy, the route to to boost the studio’s output is building a diverse slate of films, whether a movie based on known IP, such as Minecraft, or an original swing, or rebooting a long-dormant franchise.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
Prune If Needed Late winter to early spring is the best time to prune most fruit trees, because most are dormant at this time and diseases are less likely to spread.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
People who test positive but have no symptoms should seek a chest X-ray and consult a medical provider, since treatment in this dormant stage can cure infection and prevent getting sick.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormant
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
For Abdy, the route to to boost the studio’s output is building a diverse slate of films, whether a movie based on known IP, such as Minecraft, or an original swing, or rebooting a long-dormant franchise.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
Prune If Needed Late winter to early spring is the best time to prune most fruit trees, because most are dormant at this time and diseases are less likely to spread.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
People who test positive but have no symptoms should seek a chest X-ray and consult a medical provider, since treatment in this dormant stage can cure infection and prevent getting sick.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dormant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant
Adjective
-
Once considered safe bets for steady rent, many now sit vacant.—
Amachie Ackah,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
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Currently vacant, the building sits on a 1-acre parcel and includes a loading dock, freight elevator, multiple bathrooms and a main office with lobby.—
Matthew Glowicki,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Amina blows her mom a kiss and then flops down in her crib, pretending to be asleep.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
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Hall of Fame basketball player Paul Pierce was arrested Tuesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence after being found asleep behind the wheel of an SUV on a Los Angeles highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.—
David Carrillo Peñaloza,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This significantly decreases the likelihood of collateral damage on the forces deployed by a security guarantor, allowing that partner to be a neutral and idle spectator rather than an active belligerent.—
Omar Al-Ubaydli,
semafor.com,
8 Oct. 2025
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Without judgment, integration, and discernment, the technology sits idle.—
Christopher Lind,
Big Think,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Taking minoxidil orally can support the hair follicle cycle and trigger anagen (the resting phase) prematurely.—
Jessie Quinn,
Flow Space,
23 Sep. 2025
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During the resting phase, hair stops growing and will shed, or fall out.—
Jessica Swirble,
Verywell Health,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Endrick returned to the squad for the September 20 match against Espanyol, but was an unused substitute that day and in all four matches across La Liga and the Champions League since.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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Grapevine’s letter also stated that the school district received an additional $14 million from the state and paid off unused bond funds that potentially could have been used toward expenses such as repairs and technology.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Two weeks after an upset loss to visiting Cal Poly and a week after having a off-night bye to think about a season that could go either way, Sacramento State delivered a resounding 55-27 victory over Weber State on Saturday night in chilly Ogden, Utah.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
12 Oct. 2025
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Prettygarden 2-piece Jogger Set This two-piece set is an instant upgrade to your off-duty style.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Within the first 20 minutes of the sixth and penultimate episode of Task, both PSP Lizzie Stover (Alison Oliver) and Robbie Prendergrast (Tom Pelphrey) are dead.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
13 Oct. 2025
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Four people were found dead at the scene, and at least 20 other people were injured.—
NPR,
NPR,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Third-round draft pick Nick Martin, inactive again Sunday, might get a look going forward.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
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For example, the inactive ingredient might be made in South Korea.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormant. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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