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
• 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of potential

Adjective

Caldwell Mayor Eric Phillips supports the bill, and the city began preparing for a potential transition to council districts in summer 2025, spokesperson Char Jackson said. —Idaho Statesman, 17 Feb. 2026

At the same time, D’Agostino advised Epstein on potential investments in bonds issued by Venezuela’s state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, PDVSA. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026

Noun

The potential continues for large to very large avalanches occurring in the backcountry today. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026

Thus, a successful breakout here would represent not just a shorter-term pattern resolution, but potentially the completion of a multi-year basing process, significantly expanding the longer-term upside potential. —Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026