Synonyms of dormancy

dormancy

noun

ˈdȯr-mən(t)-sē 

1

as in suspension

a state of temporary inactivity

some volcanoes have eruptive cycles marked by long stretches of dormancy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suspension
• suspense
• coma
• quiescence
• abeyance
• moratorium
• latency
• recession
• cold storage
• doldrums
• hibernation
• inertia
• suspended animation
• slumber
• inaction
• deep freeze
• recess
• inertness
• rest
• holding pattern
• standstill
• motionlessness
• remission
• torpor
• sleep
• hypnosis
• impasse
• downtime
• layoff
• idleness
• repose

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuation
• continuance
• renewal
• resumption
• resuscitation
• recommencement

2

as in inertia

lack of action or activity

a fighting force that could be roused instantly from dormancy to action

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inertia
• inactivity
• quiescence
• inaction
• inertness
• idleness
• sleepiness
• laziness
• lethargy
• nonaction
• indolence
• sloth
• sluggishness
• loafing
• lounging
• languor
• lassitude
• shiftlessness
• listlessness
• lolling
• dallying

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• activity
• action
• activeness
• exuberance
• vivacity
• robustness
• vibrancy
• liveliness
• industry
• occupation
• sprightliness
• briskness
• employment
• business
• diligence
• industriousness
• jazziness
• animateness
• assiduity
• peppiness
• assiduousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dormancy

The eggs enter dormancy and survive the winter, restarting the cycle the following year. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Flower Beds, Perennials, and Ornamentals Many plants are going through their summer dormancy, just like us, waiting for the heat to break. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026

Providing your lawn with extra water during times of heat and drought can help prevent some browning and dormancy, but ultimately, cool-season grasses will naturally go dormant in high temperatures. — The Spruce, 25 June 2026

There were missteps for Arista along the way, including the Milli Vanilli fiasco of the late 1980s, but the label would become a destination where artists would revive their careers after commercial step-backs or dormancy. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 22 June 2026