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
• practical
• vigorous
• useful
• energetic
• running
• viable
• feasible
• assiduous
• usable
• sedulous

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

The tension latent in Jobim and Regina’s working relationship gives their rendition a mischievousness that’s sorely missed in the monotony of Art Garfunkel’s version, or the twee precision of Susannah McCorkle’s. — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 13 June 2026

Authorities added that items from the tent were examined by the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory, but investigators at the time were unable to obtain usable latent fingerprints from them. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026

Baltimore County’s seniors hold vast latent capital in Medicare, secondary insurance and long-term care coverage. — Patrick Roddy, Baltimore Sun, 9 June 2026

Also lying latent was a decline in the bipartisan functioning of Congress. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026