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
• drowsy
• lazyish
• dopey
• sluggard
• somnambulant
• dopy

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

Those huge currents disturb Earth's normally quiescent magnetic field, which in turn induces surges of current in electrical, telecommunications, and other networks across entire continents. —IEEE Spectrum, 24 Jan. 2012

Prussians’ true sentiments might’ve been more clearly displayed by the lack of a popular groundswell of opposition to Bismarck and the king’s extralegal actions; the people remained quiescent and continued to pay their taxes without complaint. —Christine Adams / Made By History, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025

In its first winter, the larva enters a quiescent state, pausing its development until conditions improve. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

This large, circulating cloud of material, including hot gases enriched in oxygen, was found to be absent from quiescent galaxies that had ceased star formation. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2025

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