LATENT Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

latent

adjective

ˈlā-tᵊnt

Definition of latent

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 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 See All Example Sentences for latent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for latent

Adjective

Hooping now has become a form of reclamation, an outlet for recovering a childhood joy that sat dormant for years.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
The development had gone dormant by the time DeFaria was brought in by his old colleagues to revive the project.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of dormant

Adjective

The Bears will practice Sunday afternoon, which is expected to be mostly the first-team players who did not play in the game, before an off day Monday.

— Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Mehidy then produced a superb delivery that straightened past the bat of Beau Webster (5) and clipped the top of off stump to have Australia at 6-193, still trailing by 35 runs and with the tail exposed.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of off

Browse Nearby Words

lateness

latent

later

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Latent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/latent. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of latent

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on latent

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

rigmarole

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes