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

Former SpaceX engineers think a long-dormant nuclear reactor experiment is key to meeting the power needs of data centers. — Evan Halper, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026

This will not maintain a green lawn, but rather increase the long-term survival of dormant turfgrass. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Loosen tight roots if needed, and peel off the top ½ to 1 inch of soil mix to rid yourself of dormant weed seeds. — Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Aug. 2026

As Capers endured a whirlwind of intense scrutiny during that time, he was forced to confront painful memories and long-dormant demons. — Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026