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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dormant The fourth-year receiver out of Ohio State has been a lone bright spot for a dormant offense. Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 The team directly compared the DNA of inducible (active) and non-inducible (dormant) viruses to see whether dormant ones might someday reawaken. New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025 Nebraska leaders resurrected the long-dormant plans for the canal in 2022 after Colorado water leaders outlined plans to use and store more water from the river. Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025 The trend of a dormant half of football continued. Zach Berman, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dormant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant
Adjective
  • The Warriors' 15th and final roster spot will reportedly remain vacant until the journeyman guard is brought back to the team.
    Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In August, the city laid off 169 workers and slashed hundreds of vacant positions to make up for part of that shortfall.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • A lot of people are asleep, and many are upset about what’s going on in the White House, Michael Curtis of Charlotte said.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The video shows the pup lounging around in various positions in a home setting, from asleep on the floor and over a blanket to playing with a dog toy and lying on the floor with her legs in the air as a hand rubs her belly.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Canada Post, the previous disruptions will force the carrier to take time to clear the mail and parcels that had been sitting idle within its network.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
  • And after Bill Belichick and North Carolina dominated the news during their idle week, there’s plenty of intriguing on-field action to watch on Saturday.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 11 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
  • During the resting phase, hair stops growing and will shed, or fall out.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • This is an open-box unit, meaning it was returned unused or lightly handled and repackaged after inspection.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The Greek forward was an unused substitute for Brighton’s 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the last fixture before the October international break.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • An off smell or sour odor signals spoilage.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Virginia’s off-year races are viewed as critical bellwethers of the electorate’s mood ahead of the midterms.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One was pronounced dead at the scene and the other was declared deceased after being taken to a local hospital, per the outlets.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Orchids need more of a trim to remove dead or spent leaves and flowers to prevent diseases and pests, maintain size, and encourage new blooms.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Rookie cornerback Upton Stout was one of the 49ers’ seven inactive players for Sunday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, which could mean Deommodore Lenoir will get some duty at slot corner.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
  • McLaughlin goes back to being inactive with Tyler Badie healthy again this weekend.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormant. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dormant

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