Find Antonyms

active Antonyms

Opposite of active

Because the opposite of active shifts with each meaning, the 25 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Engaging or ready to engage in physical, mental, or social pursuits; characterized by energetic movement or participation.

Usage Example

"Despite her advanced age, she maintains an inactive lifestyle by swimming and gardening daily."

Strongest
inactive
sedentary
lethargic
Strong
sluggish
idle
passive
listless
indolent
slothful
torpid

• adjective (Context 2)

Currently working, functioning, or in operation; not dormant, extinct, or discontinued.

Usage Example

"Geologists closely monitor the inactive volcano for any signs of an impending eruption."

Strongest
inactive
dormant
extinct
defunct
Strong
inoperative
dead
discontinued
latent

• adjective (Context 3)

Producing an intended biological, chemical, or medicinal effect rather than being inert.

Usage Example

"Always check the label to identify the inactive ingredient before taking over-the-counter medication."

Strongest
inactive
inert
Strong
ineffective
impotent
neutral

• adjective (Context 4)

Denoting a grammatical voice or verb form in which the subject performs the action expressed by the verb.

Usage Example

"Writing in the passive voice generally makes prose more direct and concise."

Strongest
passive

• noun (Context 5)

In grammar, the active voice or a verb form in the active voice.

Usage Example

"The editor suggested converting the awkward sentence from the passive into the passive."

Strongest
passive
passive voice

• noun (Context 6)

A person who is a current, fully participating member of an organization, especially a college fraternity or sorority.

Usage Example

"The new pledges organized a charity fundraiser with the help of the chapter's actives."

Strong
pledge
alumnus
alumna

Similar words to active

Words similar to active shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

active voice
energetic
operational
functioning
potent
effective
lively
working
See all synonyms of active

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Active. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/active
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