INERT Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'inert' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of inert are idle , inactive , passive , and supine . While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity. // inert ingredients in drugs // an inert citizenry

Q: When would 'idle' be a good substitute for 'inert'?

The words idle and inert can be used in similar contexts, but idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements. // workers were idle in the fields

Q: In what contexts can 'inactive' take the place of 'inert'?

While in some cases nearly identical to inert , inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work. // on inactive status as an astronaut // inactive accounts

Q: When can 'passive' be used instead of 'inert'?

The words passive and inert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control. // passive resistance

Q: When could 'supine' be used to replace 'inert'?

While the synonyms supine and inert are close in meaning, supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence. // a supine willingness to play the fool

inert

adjective

i-ˈnərt

Definition of inert next

as in dormant

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment the inert, abandoned factories that are scattered all over that dying city

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sleepy

slow to move or act a sleepy, inert reptile that is no threat to people when left alone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word inert different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of inert are idle, inactive, passive, and supine. While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.

inert ingredients in drugs

an inert citizenry

When would idle be a good substitute for inert?

The words idle and inert can be used in similar contexts, but idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

In what contexts can inactive take the place of inert?

While in some cases nearly identical to inert, inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut

inactive accounts

When can passive be used instead of inert?

The words passive and inert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.

passive resistance

When could supine be used to replace inert?

While the synonyms supine and inert are close in meaning, supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

Examples 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 inert This chemistry is benign to more complex organisms and will quickly biodegrade into inert ingredients. —

Steven Savage, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 He’s found, seemingly safe and sound, but likewise inert, almost as if someone had stolen his very soul. —

Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024 Heff’s struggles with this art — not to mention his inert, unsuccessful attempts to get a girlfriend — only sharpened his image of himself as a beautiful failure. —

Mark Oppenheimer, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024 The three primary culprits this season have been an inert run game, questionable play calling from offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and quarterback Ethan Garbers logging more than twice as many interceptions (nine) as touchdown passes (four). —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inert

Adjective

The case was dormant until last year, when agents with Wisconsin's Justice Department began working with the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory to identify the remains.

Doha Madani, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Most went dormant in August and September, then the rain from the remnants of Hurricane Helene made their way up here.

Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 Nov. 2024