dormant

adjective

ˈdȯr-mənt How to pronounce dormant (audio)
Definition of dormantnext
1
as in sleeping
being in a state of suspended consciousness the bears lay dormant in their den during the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vacant
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment the engine lay dormant in the garage until we found a use for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dormant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dormant are latent, potential, and quiescent. While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

Where would latent be a reasonable alternative to dormant?

The words latent and dormant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

When is it sensible to use potential instead of dormant?

The synonyms potential and dormant are sometimes interchangeable, but potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

When can quiescent be used instead of dormant?

In some situations, the words quiescent and dormant 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 dormant That suggests that the supreme court — which did not examine the 2025 law changes in the hearing—might not uphold the government’s sweeping changes, which stripped millions overnight of their status as dormant Italians. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 29 July 2026 Rick Moranis received a standing ovation Friday at San Diego Comic-Con, where the long-dormant actor was part of a panel promoting the upcoming Spaceballs sequel. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2026 The Cinerama Dome in Hollywood is finally set to reopen after six years of lying dormant since the COVID-19 pandemic. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 Over time, organizations can accumulate large numbers of active, dormant, duplicated or orphaned AI agents operating with valid credentials and little ongoing oversight. — Itamar Apelblat, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dormant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dormant
  1. sleeping
  2. vacant
  3. asleep
  4. idle
  5. resting
  6. unused
  7. off
  8. dead
Adjective
  • An autopsy showed that the infant died from asphyxiation secondary to a co-sleeping/overlay event with an unsafe sleeping environment.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of sleeping
Adjective
  • The historic Art Deco shops fronting the new hotel along Washington that its developers were obligated to renovate remain fully vacant.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • There’s the new buildings such as Queensbridge Collective or 110 East in South End, which is about 5% vacant.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of vacant
Adjective
  • In that corner of the room, beside that window in the house in Stromness overlooking the small harbor, on a sofa upholstered in threadbare sailcloth, lay Paul, asleep.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
  • If the seatbelt sign is on for turbulence or you’re stuck in the window seat and two people next to you are asleep.
    — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 22 July 2026
Definition of asleep
Adjective
  • Wheelchair assistance then forgot about us, and an employee accused me of trying to steal an idle wheelchair.
    — Josh Rivera, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • That means more idle time for the players, which some see as a steep and unnecessary change at the most important match.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of idle
Adjective
  • That’s because when the body experiences physical stress, including losing weight quickly, more hairs can shift into a resting phase and fall out a few months later — typically two to three months after the event, Rossi explains.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Feb. 2026
  • This is a condition where, due to stress or hormonal changes, the body puts the hair follicles into a resting phase.
    — Essence, Essence, 19 Dec. 2025
Definition of resting
Adjective
  • At the same time, mining operations around the world have generated enormous volumes of low-grade tailings that still contain recoverable metals but remain largely unused.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
  • Kobbie Mainoo, Tyler Fletcher and Altay Bayindir were unused by England, Scotland and Turkey respectively.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of unused
Adjective
  • Friday’s game began a 13-game run without an off day for the Rangers.
    — Cal Phillips Updated July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
  • Keep refrigerated foods cold, store leftovers promptly and always check for signs of spoilage such as an off smell, mold or changes in texture.
    — LeeAnn Weintraub, Oc Register, 25 July 2026
Definition of off
Adjective
  • The restaurant received 87% on June 26, with violations including dead roaches, debris and dirt.
    — Eva Flowe July 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
  • The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.
    — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
Definition of dead

Browse Nearby Words

dormancy
dormant
dormitories
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Cite this Entry

“Dormant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dormant. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dormant

Nglish: Translation of dormant for Spanish Speakers

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