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potential

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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
But the Comanches were forced to punt on their next two drives and came up short on the potential game-winning drive in the final seconds. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 The only player that’s been mentioned as a potential 3C so far is Ross Colton, who handled the role for much of the 2023-24 season before shifting back to wing last year. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
For the past decade, investors have been talking up Europe's potential to build valuable tech firms, rebuffing the idea that Silicon Valley is the only place to create innovative new ventures. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025 This was one of a few titles with sizeable mainstream audience potential to be in play. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for potential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potential
Adjective
  • New frontiers in medical use The ability to control the metamaterial remotely makes new medical applications possible.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
  • More importantly, Nvidia continues to focus on the entire data center as a single system to ensure that all potential performance bottlenecks are addressed, resulting in the highest possible performance efficiency and ROI.
    Jim McGregor, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • New Mexico and Arizona will also see an increase in showers and thunderstorms and a possibility for localized flash flooding today into Friday.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Investors should be ready for considerable volatility and the possibility of significant losses should market conditions worsen or the company does not execute its ambitious growth strategy.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Such a move could bolster CSX's own acquisition prospects, Spracklin said.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Her family has been willing to pay the price for political beliefs at odds with Israel’s increasingly right-wing turn that has seen any prospect of a two-state solution recede further and further from possibility.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Potential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potential. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on potential

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