Synonym Chooser

How is the word inactive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of inactive are idle, inert, passive, and supine. While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut
inactive accounts

When could idle be used to replace inactive?

In some situations, the words idle and inactive are roughly equivalent. However, idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

When can inert be used instead of inactive?

The words inert and inactive can be used in similar contexts, but inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.

inert ingredients in drugs
an inert citizenry

When is it sensible to use passive instead of inactive?

The words passive and inactive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.

passive resistance

When is supine a more appropriate choice than inactive?

The meanings of supine and inactive largely overlap; however, supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

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 inactive The Trump administration has also said new Covid vaccines must undergo clinical trials with an inert placebo — meaning some participants would receive the new vaccine while others would receive an inactive substance like saline, to compare results. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 1 June 2025 Since then, the front line has been at a stalemate; that doesn’t mean it’s been inactive. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 31 May 2025 As one of her earliest albums returns, the singer also reaches a lofty landmark figure for the very first time, proving that her catalog remains hugely popular, even if her career is essentially inactive. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 The Fever's game against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday marked the first time in Clark's WNBA that she was listed as inactive. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inactive
Adjective
  • Gilroy, which is usually a sleepy town, comes alive during the festival, as locals are joined by travelers from across California and the country.
    Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025
  • Quintessential sleepy Old Florida, towns here are oak-shaded and feature locally mom-and-pop diners and restaurants.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Summer heat and dry conditions slow down turfgrass growth; drought-tolerant grass turns dormant, a natural protective response to adverse conditions.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
  • While most hosts of the parasite can control the initial infection with few if any symptoms, Toxoplasma remains in the body for life as dormant cysts in brain, heart and muscle tissue.
    Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • But just because a stock has been quiescent for a while is no reason to disdain it.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • In the early 2000s, the U.S. invasion of Iraq united Iraqi Kurds in a quest to preserve their autonomy, and the rivalry in greater Kurdistan eclipsed the quiescent Kurdish rivalry within Iraq.
    Behnam Ben Taleblu, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2017
Adjective
  • For those who aren’t seeking beach time, the island also was praised for offering historic sites, golf courses and other off-shore activities.
    Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • After an off day Thursday, the Arizona Diamondbacks come to GABP for three games.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • There are a few family members who only wear olive, mustard, khaki, black and other dull colors; clunky, unattractive shoes; and few accessories.
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
  • Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 is no exception, which shines with its abilities to reduce the look of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and overall dull skin.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Housing has emerged as a key issue in this year’s mayoral race as the city reels from skyrocketing rents and a dearth of vacant apartments, and there’s widespread agreement more units must be built.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
  • Hartford Prints! has taken over a vacant storefront next door, has broken down a wall and joined the two spaces.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • An active comparator might also be used rather than an inert placebo because of ethics.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • The equipment consists of canisters containing Novec 1230, an inert liquid, which, in the event of a fire, would flood the projectors, suppressing the flames, while shutters would also automatically drop down to isolate the booth from the auditorium.
    Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • In a busy warehouse, for instance, human workers and multiple robots performing different tasks—often from different vendors—need a unified system that ensures smooth collaboration, avoiding collisions and idle time.
    Florian Pestoni, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The result is that homes are sitting idle on the market, forcing sellers to offer price cuts to lure in buyers.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inactive. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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