Synonym Chooser

How is the word latent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of latent are dormant, potential, and quiescent. While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

Where would dormant be a reasonable alternative to latent?

While the synonyms dormant and latent are close in meaning, dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

When can potential be used instead of latent?

While in some cases nearly identical to latent, potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

When would quiescent be a good substitute for latent?

In some situations, the words quiescent and latent 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 latent Garages, lousy bars, the corners of parking lots where allied coworkers chain smoke—DeYoung is arguing, again and again, that these totally unremarkable scraps of communion are the antidote to the latent evil that comes with isolation. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025 Yet just as past bouts of defeatism were misguided, so is today’s triumphalism, which risks dangerously underestimating both the latent and actual power of the only competitor in a century whose GDP has surpassed 70 percent of that of the United States. Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025 Yet the system runs partly broken, with latent failures hidden. Miguel Kudry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 Other evidence — including the shoeprint casings, bedroom sheets and all latent fingerprints — were no longer available, either lost or destroyed, MacLean’s former attorneys wrote in one court motion. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for latent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for latent
Adjective
  • Waititi never recommitted to Akira and the project has been dormant ever since.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
  • The group is currently dormant after Argent suffered a stroke last year that forced him to retire from touring, while White and Grundy have appeared only as special guests since 1997.
    Gary Graff, Billboard, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Entering play Thursday, an off day for the Yankees, the reigning American League MVP had the highest average (.361), OPS (1.180), fWAR (6.1) and wRC+ (221) in baseball.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
  • His hope is two off days — Wednesday’s game and the team’s off-day on Thursday — will put him in position to return to the lineup on Friday in Cincinnati.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Latent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/latent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on latent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!