potential 1 of 2

adjective

pə-ˈten(t)-shəl How to pronounce potential (audio)
Definition of potentialnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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
Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer recently discussed Washington Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore as a trade chip and suggested the Seattle Mariners would be the best fit in a potential blockbuster deal. —Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025 While this attack is outside its control, the potential viral threat to user accounts is taken seriously. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
For instance, Circle derived nearly the entirety of revenues and income as reported in 2024 from interest on these reserve assets, but that has the potential to change rapidly. —Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 Cipher has big plans to unlock the potential of his students by pushing them to their physical limits. —EW.com, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for potential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potential
  1. possible
  2. possibility
  3. prospect
Adjective
  • That would be possible because access from Lincoln Memorial Drive to and from I-794 would be shifted southward.
    — Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
  • However, small hail and heavy rain are still possible with this thunderstorm.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of possible
Noun
  • Indianapolis City-County Council members are also discussing the possibility of fines and mandatory parenting classes for parents and guardians whose children repeatedly violate the new rules.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
  • Others wanted to consider the possibility of technological advancements.
    — Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of possibility
Noun
  • Much depends on how the markets react to this prospect.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
  • The lefty is listed as San Francisco’s top pitching prospect and No. 3 overall in the farm system by MLB Pipeline.
    — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of prospect

Browse Nearby Words

potentates
potential
potentialities
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Cite this Entry

“Potential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potential. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of potential for Spanish Speakers

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