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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of potential

Adjective

While discussing his effort to quell any potential continuations, Spielberg addressed his own reasons for not wanting to do a second film. —

Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025 Before that package’s debut, YouTube and NFL executives met regularly to discuss potential improvements, including building upon the service’s existing work delivering low-latency experiences. —

Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2025

Noun

But overall, the impact has the potential to be profound and long-lasting. —

Samantha Mann, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025 Another chair, Moroso’s Bouquet, has the potential to swing ultra-sweet with its petallike upholstery, but its dark palette exemplifies this trend by taking a long-standing motif and upending it through unexpected hues. —

Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for potential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for potential

Adjective

Yellow dye 5 and red dye 40, otherwise known as tartrazine and allura red, respectively, have been linked to possible hyperactivity in children and cancer risk.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
During the day, open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.

— Cathy Habas, SELF, 17 Jan. 2025