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 Darkly, once a game-making empire renowned for its ingenious and utterly terrifying toys and games, now lies dormant after Veda’s mysterious death. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 The left image features the expansive Tharsis plateau and its chain of dormant volcanoes, including the colossal Olympus Mons, which can be seen towering above the Martian clouds. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Finally, consider augmenting the winter landscape, when roses and many of their companions lie dormant. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2025 Instead of coddling grass with irrigation and fertilizer to prevent it from going dormant, embrace this natural response. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dormant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant
Adjective
  • In her next fight, Shevchenko faced ex-women’s strawweight champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk for the vacant flyweight title.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • And several blocks of tunnel below Chinatown, dug half a century ago for the Second Avenue subway, remain a vacant, unseen taunt.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Scooter Gennett was asleep Saturday night when a buddy called.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Whether Chloe is asleep, in the bath, or being nursed—Milkshake will undoubtedly be nearby.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Traders borrow to short tokens or increase leverage, long-term holders unlock liquidity without selling, businesses take loans to fund operations, and lenders earn passive yield on idle assets.
    Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Telogen Stage The telogen stage of the hair cycle is a resting phase, during which the hair doesn't grow, and the follicle is dormant.1 About 10% to 15% of the hairs on your body are in this resting phase at any one time, which typically lasts for a few months.
    Nancy LeBrun, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Green Bay could finish as high as sixth in the NFC if the resting Rams lose to the 49ers, potentially setting up a first-round matchup against the division-rival Lions.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2024
Adjective
  • Any unused bonus will expire after seven days. 21+ and present in participating states.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Disconnecting unused devices from your Wi-Fi should boost speeds to your others.
    David Brinkerhoff, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Except the Giants did it without an off day, on both sides of the country, and against contending teams.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That was enough for the Cavaliers to overcome an off day from All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who totaled just 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field and 3-of-8 shooting on threes.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • An Oakland bicyclist is dead following a Friday night hit-and-run incident.
    Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • That being said, the dream of NXT Europe isn't dead.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Boston played its previous 19 games with at least one starter or rotation player inactive.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Simple steps—such as checking balances, using debit cards, or logging into digital banking—can prevent accounts from becoming inactive.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormant. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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