Definitions

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.

India's Got Latent was Raina's next leap, a sort of anti–talent show that mocked its own premise.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Relatively smaller firms including KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants operator Sapphire Foods India and data analytics company Latent View have made strong debuts.

From Reuters • Dec. 10, 2021

Latent heat is the main fuel that powers hurricanes, thunderstorms and normal bouts of lousy weather.

From Scientific American • Oct. 19, 2021

Latent fingerprint technology developed since Boppre’s 1989 trial can make matches from low-quality fingerprints or even a single finger.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 12, 2018

Latent heat is heat that doesn't warm, singe, or cook, because it is otherwise engaged.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 8, January, 1851 by Various

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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