Synonyms of quiescent

quiescent

adjective

kwī-ˈe-sᵊnt 

as in sleepy

slow to move or act

a group of quiescent loungers recovering from the Thanksgiving feast

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sleepy
• inactive
• inert
• torpid
• dull
• lethargic
• sluggish
• motionless
• resting
• lazy
• dormant
• indolent
• static
• apathetic
• listless
• sedentary
• shiftless
• slothful
• languorous
• asleep
• inanimate
• still
• slack
• ambitionless
• drugged
• dead
• comatose
• catatonic
• sluggardly
• lazyish
• drowsy
• dopey
• sluggard
• somnambulant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• active
• engaged
• busy
• occupied
• dynamic
• working
• vigorous
• energetic
• lively
• kinetic
• vital
• spirited
• animated
• sprightly
• vivacious
• bouncing
• industrious
• diligent
• assiduous
• perky
• hardworking
• springy
• peppy
• zippy
• sedulous

Synonym Chooser

How is the word quiescent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quiescent are dormant, latent, and potential. While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

When is it sensible to use dormant instead of quiescent?

While in some cases nearly identical to quiescent, dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

When is latent a more appropriate choice than quiescent?

The words latent and quiescent can be used in similar contexts, but 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 potential be a reasonable alternative to quiescent?

In some situations, the words potential and quiescent are roughly equivalent. However, potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of quiescent

Throughout most of modern history, it was thought that prudent government debt management involved bringing down the ratio of debt to GDP during quiescent periods of growth in order to store fiscal ammunition for the next crisis. —Kenneth S. Rogoff, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025

Khanna is one of a number of progressive congressional Democrats encouraged by the party to appear in red-district town halls in an attempt to rebut impressions that the party is quiescent in the face of Trump’s onslaught. —Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025

That means studying these high-speed outflows from this black hole could help scientists to discover how black hole eruptions transform galaxies from hubs of star birth to a more quiescent existence. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 June 2025

But just because a stock has been quiescent for a while is no reason to disdain it. —John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!