INERT Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'inert' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of inert are idle , inactive , passive , and supine . While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," 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

Q: When would 'idle' be a good substitute for 'inert'?

The words idle and inert can be used in similar contexts, but idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements. // workers were idle in the fields

Q: In what contexts can 'inactive' take the place of 'inert'?

While in some cases nearly identical to inert , inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work. // on inactive status as an astronaut // inactive accounts

Q: When can 'passive' be used instead of 'inert'?

The words passive and inert 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

Q: When could 'supine' be used to replace 'inert'?

While the synonyms supine and inert are close in meaning, supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence. // a supine willingness to play the fool

inert

adjective

i-ˈnərt

Definition of inert next

as in dormant

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment the inert, abandoned factories that are scattered all over that dying city

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sleepy

slow to move or act a sleepy, inert reptile that is no threat to people when left alone

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

Some common synonyms of inert are idle, inactive, passive, and supine. While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," 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 would idle be a good substitute for inert?

The words idle and inert can be used in similar contexts, but idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

In what contexts can inactive take the place of inert?

While in some cases nearly identical to inert, inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut

inactive accounts

When can passive be used instead of inert?

The words passive and inert 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 could supine be used to replace inert?

While the synonyms supine and inert are close in meaning, supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

Examples of inert in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web A lot of what’s happened here can be described as a vibe shift from the listless, almost inert, aura of President Biden’s campaign to something more energetic. —

Dana Milbank, Washington Post, 31 July 2024 These small spacecraft come from European and US research institutions and will ride alongside a 2-ton inert dummy payload simulating the mass of a heavier primary satellite. —

Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 9 July 2024 Laurent described the products as highly efficient, with no inert ingredients. —

Jennifer Weil, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 The armorer who mistakenly loaded a live bullet into the gun, rather than an inert dummy round, is already serving an 18-month sentence. —

Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for inert

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inert.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.