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 While the dormant transmission line had been long out of use, there are many reasons to keep it from being dismantled, including growth in the region, Dunleavy said. —Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 10 June 2026 Great Bakes stoked both the inner fan and dormant Midwestern in me. —The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026 Defensins work by signaling the skin to begin a renewal process, engaging the same dormant cells the body uses during wound healing and stimulating the growth of fresh cells, Curcio said. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 10 June 2026 From bamboo rainforests and picturesque waterfalls to expansive white-sand beaches and a moonscape-like, dormant volcano, Maui is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in the country. —Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 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
  • Other mammoth rehab projects in the works nearby are expected to help fill vacant offices and revive aging skyscrapers with new apartments and hotel rooms.
    — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
  • The former Soul Gastrolounge space has been vacant for nearly four years, and while rumors have recently circulated online about possible new tenants, including mentions of a fast-casual chain or even a mattress store, there’s no confirmation that any of them are legitimate.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Definition of vacant
Adjective
  • The suspect was taken into custody without incident, and the children were found safe and asleep in their room.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • Trump has been accused of falling asleep at Cabinet and Oval Office meetings, though has denied several incidents.
    — Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Definition of asleep
Adjective
  • The Sox maintained their half-game lead over the idle Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central after their series finale against the Atlanta Braves at Rate Field was postponed.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
  • The pharmaceutical industry hasn't been sitting idle during this period.
    — Nagesh Nama, Forbes.com, 12 June 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
  • Republicans, meanwhile, are whispering that Democrats' fears of unused Platner oppo are well-founded.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 June 2026
  • The same goes for many other unused or still-functional school supplies, like backpacks, unopened packs of paper or binders, and even sports equipment for school activities.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 June 2026
Definition of unused
Adjective
  • Manager Mark Kotsay said a more thorough evaluation will be made during the club's off day Thursday.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • Up next Following an off day on Thursday, the Giants will welcome the Chicago Cubs for three games at Oracle Park.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Definition of off
Adjective
  • At least three people are dead and six others were wounded in weekend shootings across Chicago as of Saturday evening.
    — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 14 June 2026
  • Just snip away dead, damaged, or diseased branches to keep these shrubs looking trim.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 13 June 2026
Definition of dead

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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 16 Jun. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dormant

Nglish: Translation of dormant for Spanish Speakers

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