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 There have been dormant periods in the ancient rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees—which dates back to 1919 and the Curse of the Bambino—but not many of them. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2025 The illustrious destination closed in 1977 and sat dormant until English billionaire John Caudwell acquired it in 2014. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025 The antibiotic became effective when dormant cells were given sugar (a food source), but only after a 15-minute delay. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025 And now, a new study published in Nature has found that viral lung infections can awaken dormant breast cancer cells that have spread to the lungs, potentially triggering new metastatic tumors. Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dormant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant
Adjective
  • Ahead of this school year, MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius moved some central office staff to classroom teaching positions to fill vacant roles.
    Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • After moving to the area with his family in 2022, proprietor Andrew Pearson saw an opportunity to bring a fine dining experience to a vacant restaurant space on Main Street.
    Brennan Long, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The couple reportedly pretended to be asleep when they were approached by a flight attendant.
    Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
  • While seven dogs can be seen sprawled across the floor and sofa, sound asleep, owner Erika Reiley’s cockapoo sits upright, watching in confusion.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The store’s lease runs for several more years and city officials do not want the building to sit idle.
    Steven Rosenfeld, Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Part of a software update, advertisements will appear on certain refrigerator cover screens when the Family Hub fridge is idle.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Sep. 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
  • Or is there more of your unused Lethal Weapon 2 material in Play Dirty?
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Members who bought the wine should safely dispose of any unused bottles and seek a full refund of the purchase price at their nearest Costco warehouse.
    Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The first signs that 2025 wouldn’t live up to Ferrari’s off-season hopes emerged in testing, when McLaren teased its advantage.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Perhaps not, and that was attributable to some of his off-field pursuits, as sports journalist Devin Gordon explains in one episode.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Tom is torn between loyalty to his dead wife and love for the estranged son who killed her.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The rush would close in, the play would appear dead — and the five-star recruit and Tennessee transfer would evaporate from the pocket.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This process adds weight and volume from inactive components.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025
  • McDaniel said running back Jaylen Wright was inactive because Miami needed extra bodies on defense and special teams.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormant. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dormant

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