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 This means your lawn is dormant and should be revived with watering. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 22 July 2025 Shipbuilding in the United States has been all but dormant. Adam Reiss, NBC news, 17 July 2025 While Nine Inch Nails itself has been largely dormant since 2020’s Ghosts album series, Reznor and Ross have still been busy working behind the scenes. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2025 That rivalry, dormant since the last meeting in 2011, will renew as a non-conference clash on Sept. 6 in Columbia. Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dormant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant
Adjective
  • The South First Street project would bring different housing options and retail space to a largely vacant site, said Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, whose district includes the area.
    Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Before the pandemic, just 5.9% of RN positions were vacant, according to the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Within 30 minutes of being picked up, Giovanni texted his mother, who had been studying for an upcoming pharmacy board exam and was asleep.
    Janelle Griffith, People.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The clip shows a woman—who is said to be around 6.5 feet tall—gingerly climbing over a fellow passenger who appears to be asleep in the aisle seat.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The error can cause the daytime running lights may dim unexpectedly when the idle start-stop feature cycles the engine from off to on.
    James Powel, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • But when that noise quiets, the brain doesn’t just go idle.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • During the resting phase, hair stops growing and will shed, or fall out.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • This means the likes of Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson, and Patrick Roberts have turned from mainstays to unused subs on Saturday, but there remains a place for the old guard to underpin the ambition.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Acura has recently begun reviving old, unused nameplates, starting with the Integra.
    Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Interim manager Ray Montgomery agreed that plan made sense, despite the recent number of off days.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The game was suspended due to rain in the first inning and then completed the following afternoon, which was supposed to be an off day.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Three people are dead and nine others are injured after multiple shooters opened fire in a mass shooting at a New York City club, according to the New York City Police Department.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • As a result, three occupants of the minivan involved in the crash are dead, FLHSMV said in a press release.
    Elainie Barraza, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Data centers that remain inactive for more than 15 consecutive months have to be decommissioned, according to the ordinance.
    Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The case is listed as inactive and pending after the state asked to keep the case open.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormant. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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