Synonyms of latent

latent

adjective

ˈlā-tᵊnt 

as in dormant

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment

he has a latent talent for acting that he hasn't had a chance to express yet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dormant
• off
• unused
• idle
• vacant
• inactive
• dead
• inert
• at rest
• free
• inoperative
• out of commission
• on the shelf
• fallow
• useless
• quiescent
• suspended
• arrested
• unoccupied
• interrupted
• unusable
• slow
• comatose
• asleep
• moribund
• lifeless
• abeyant
• unworkable
• inoperable
• sleepy
• dull

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• active
• operative
• operating
• on
• functioning
• operational
• functional
• alive
• busy
• employed
• working
• going
• living
• workable
• operable
• industrious
• vigorous
• practical
• useful
• energetic
• running
• viable
• feasible
• assiduous
• usable
• sedulous
• useable

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

Recent Examples of latent

Santora said the county’s cases are usually a reactivation of old infections or cases where a latent infection converted to an active one. —Cameron MacDonald, Mercury News, 7 May 2025

The pipeline also features vaccines for other latent viruses, such as Cytomegalovirus (mRNA-1647) in Phase 3 trials, and investigational vaccines for Epstein-Barr Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

This can occur soon after becoming infected, but more frequently happens months or even years after the infection has been contained in the latent stage. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025

There are 85 latent cases — which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control explains means that the bacteria that causes tuberculosis is present, but not active. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025