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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of potential
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
29 June 2026
Expanding children’s merchandise through one of retail’s most recognizable brands provides another potential reason for families to visit its stores rather than competing department stores or online marketplaces.
—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
30 June 2026
The world-building potential of research is a power not to be underestimated.
—
Shanti Escalante-De Mattei,
ARTnews.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for potential
Adjective
The agency is collecting data for a potential launch of the Balance program in the future.
—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
29 June 2026
Expanding children’s merchandise through one of retail’s most recognizable brands provides another potential reason for families to visit its stores rather than competing department stores or online marketplaces.
—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
Noun
Splatoon Raiders has the potential to expand this phenomenon to a new audience and give existing fans a new obsession.
—
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
30 June 2026
The world-building potential of research is a power not to be underestimated.
—
Shanti Escalante-De Mattei,
ARTnews.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for potential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potential
Adjective
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
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If stress builds, schedule a short stretch break and set softer deadlines where possible, because kindness to your body supports reliable output.
Noun
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In your view, are the biggest risks from AI systems themselves or from the humans deploying them, the possibility of AI in the hands of rogue actors is particularly concerning here.
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As the possibilities are almost as large and endless as the country itself, Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) went to the industry’s makers in search of their unique perspectives.
Noun
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Dozens of prospects came into their practice facility to work out in front of front office members, scouts, coaches, and more.
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The other top prospects in the draft, including Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Duke’s Cam Boozer, were in contention for the top pick.
Cite this Entry
“Potential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potential. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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