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
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Recent Examples of latent
Since 2024, there also have been, in total, two latent cases in Johnson County and 77 latent cases in Wyandotte County, which sits at the Missouri border, USA TODAY reported.
—
Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Researchers call the numerical universe in which these calculations take place a latent space.
—Anil Ananthaswamy, Quanta Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
For example, many of us are still carrying latent resistance to the bubonic plague centuries after the precipitous event.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
The good news is that, with massive economic and technological advantages over Russia, Europe has the latent capability to address the threat.
—Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for latent
Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Researchers call the numerical universe in which these calculations take place a latent space.
—Anil Ananthaswamy, Quanta Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
For example, many of us are still carrying latent resistance to the bubonic plague centuries after the precipitous event.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
The good news is that, with massive economic and technological advantages over Russia, Europe has the latent capability to address the threat.
—Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for latent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for latent
Adjective
-
This means your lawn is dormant and should be revived with watering.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
22 July 2025
-
Shipbuilding in the United States has been all but dormant.—
Adam Reiss,
NBC news,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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Avoid wrapping leftover cut lemons in aluminum foil, which can react with the acidity in the fruit, causing an off flavor.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
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No team could use an off day than the New York Mets.—
John Perrotto,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Latent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/latent. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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