POTENTIAL Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'potential' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of potential are dormant , latent , and quiescent . While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have. // a potential disaster

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dormant' instead of 'potential'?

The words dormant and potential can be used in similar contexts, but dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping. // their passion had lain dormant

Q: Where would 'latent' be a reasonable alternative to 'potential'?

While the synonyms latent and potential are close in meaning, latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop. // a latent desire for success

Q: In what contexts can 'quiescent' take the place of 'potential'?

While in some cases nearly identical to potential , quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity. // the disease was quiescent

Q: How is the word 'potential' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of potential are dormant , latent , and quiescent . While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have. // a potential disaster

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dormant' instead of 'potential'?

The words dormant and potential can be used in similar contexts, but dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping. // their passion had lain dormant

Q: Where would 'latent' be a reasonable alternative to 'potential'?

While the synonyms latent and potential are close in meaning, latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop. // a latent desire for success

Q: In what contexts can 'quiescent' take the place of 'potential'?

While in some cases nearly identical to potential , quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity. // the disease was quiescent

potential 1 of 2

adjective

pə-ˈten(t)-shəl

Definition of potential next

as in possible

existing only as a possibility and not in fact I can see a few potential problems with co-owning a beach house with another couple

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

potential

2 of 2

noun

as in possibility

something that can develop or become actual a time when cloning was merely a potential and the stuff of science fiction

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How is the word potential distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of potential are dormant, latent, and quiescent. While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

When is it sensible to use dormant instead of potential?

The words dormant and potential can be used in similar contexts, but dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

Where would latent be a reasonable alternative to potential?

While the synonyms latent and potential are close in meaning, latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

In what contexts can quiescent take the place of potential?

While in some cases nearly identical to potential, quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

How is the word potential distinct from other similar adjectives?

a potential disaster

When is it sensible to use dormant instead of potential?

The words dormant and potential can be used in similar contexts, but dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

Where would latent be a reasonable alternative to potential?

While the synonyms latent and potential are close in meaning, latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

In what contexts can quiescent take the place of potential?

While in some cases nearly identical to potential, quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

Example 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 potential

Adjective

Each proposal would require analysis of the costs and potential revenue, and Transportation Commissioner Garett Eucalitto told lawmakers that no money exists in Gov. Ned Lamont’s budget proposal for any of them. —

Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026 The segment began with anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost reading jokes about Donald Trump’s war on Iran, including one about a potential drone attack on the Oscars ceremony. —

Anna Tingley, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026

Noun

While the day has yet to reach its full potential as a promotional platform, plans are underway to build an event around it, further positioning Kojima as Japan’s sacred ground for denim. —

Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026 John Skipper took the helm of the service after ending his long tenure as president of ESPN in 2017, serving as executive chairman from 2018 to 2022 and generating considerable speculation about its Stateside potential. —

Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for potential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for potential

Adjective

Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.

— CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Supporters of the referendum have expressed excitement over the amenities that would come with the possible Frontier Sports Complex activity center while opponents have expressed concerns over a potential financial burden the referendum would impose.

— Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Definition of possible

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potentates

potential

potentialities

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“Potential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potential. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 19 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of potential

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