Synonyms of potential

potential 1 of 2

adjective

pə-ˈten(t)-shəl 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• possible
• implicit
• probable
• plausible
• theoretic
• conceivable
• hypothetical
• theoretical
• viable
• generable
• imaginable
• alleged
• purported
• feasible
• achievable
• practicable
• likely
• thinkable
• conjectural
• assumed
• workable
• suppositional
• attainable
• supposed
• reputed
• doable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• real
• actual
• factual
• existent
• demonstrated
• confirmed
• true
• genuine
• established
• bona fide
• authentic
• proven
• substantiated
• authenticated

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

• possibility
• prospect
• potentiality
• capability
• likelihood
• probability
• eventuality
• potency
• latency

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reality
• certainty
• actuality

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

Examples of potential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Other potential suitors were said to be underwhelmed with the catalog’s annual earnings. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 13 Sep. 2024

Industry sources said that several brands, including Blumarine, Lanvin and Givenchy, have approached her in the past about a potential creative director role. —Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 13 Sep. 2024

Noun

On Thursday, Host Committee Chief Operating Officer Alison Prange announced $40,000 in grants to four Milwaukee-area organizations with the potential for more to come down the road once the committee has completed its accounting. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2024

Owens' lawyers said past attorneys scrutinized his case carefully, but this only came up in interviews as the potential of his death neared. —CBS News, 13 Sep. 2024