latent

[leyt-nt] / ˈleɪt nt /

ADJECTIVE

dormant, hidden

Synonyms

STRONGEST

inherent lurking smoldering suppressed underlying unrealized veiled

WEAK

abeyant between the lines concealed contained covert idle immature implied in abeyance inactive inert inferential inferred inoperative intrinsic invisible involved passive possible potential quiescent rudimentary secret sleeping suspended tacit torpid underdeveloped undeveloped unexposed unexpressed unripe unseen vestigial

Antonyms

WEAK

active apparent clear live manifest obvious open public

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Patients may be exposed to EBV through donor organs that carry a latent form of the virus.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

She wants to show how there’s latent wisdom to the rule that was incorporated into this history.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

But Yoon also tapped into pre-existing anxieties and grievances, especially among young men, activating a latent undercurrent of discontent and driving it to the surface.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

A person with active TB can develop symptoms and is infectious; a person with a latent tuberculosis infection cannot spread the bacteria to others and doesn’t feel sick.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

I tried to heed Rob’s advice, but my latent claustrophobia prevailed.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Vocabulary lists containing latent

"Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

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ACT Vocabulary List

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