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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
Even the utility has conceded the existence of potential evidence in a filing with regulators at the Public Utilities Commission. Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025 And though there will be many issues to tackle when negotiations start next year, the Dodgers’ staggering spending spree over the last two offseasons could represent some of the most contentious potential sticking points. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
Meanwhile, the overdose death rate for psychostimulants with abuse potential, which includes methamphetamine, increased from 10.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2022 to 10.6 deaths in 2023. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 20 Feb. 2025 Additionally, this model opens the door for Macmillan to participate further along in the content creation process, which creates more opportunity and profit potential for authors. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for potential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potential
Adjective
  • To build up those fibers, eat some protein as soon as possible after a workout, says Jeremy Ford, a sports dietitian and nutritionist at the University of South Carolina.
    Margaret Cirino, NPR, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Lift one leg to the side, trying to keep your body as still as possible.
    Hilary Achauer, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In March, a California Judge will decide whether to commute the brothers sentences' of life in prison without the possibility of parole, potentially paving the way for their release.
    Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Zero Day certainly depicts a frightening possibility, so what is a zero day as described in the Netflix series?
    Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Ukraine had been floating the prospect of a partnership with the United States on its valuable natural resources as a way to persuade Mr. Trump to provide additional support for its war effort.
    Constant Méheut, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The final installment in the MVP Baseball series, MVP ’05 is as old as Giants’ top prospect Bryce Eldridge but still considered by many to be the best baseball video game of all-time — if not best sports game of all-time.
    Justice delos Santos, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Potential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potential. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on potential

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