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

The picture unfolds against the backdrop of a family digital detox vacation in a house in a Swedish forest which takes a terrifying turn when a teenager discovers an old modem and unwittingly awakens a dormant, sadistic demon when it is fired up. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026

In January, Sorrells created a cold case task force that is using advances in DNA technology to try to identify suspects in dormant homicide investigations. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Ryan Gosling is reviving one of his long-dormant side gigs just in time for Halloween. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026

The issues may have been lying dormant The vulnerabilities have been known about since at least 2024, according to the PHP Foundation. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026