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
Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
While this attack is outside its control, the potential viral threat to user accounts is taken seriously.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Cipher has big plans to unlock the potential of his students by pushing them to their physical limits.
—EW.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for potential
Adjective
Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer recently discussed Washington Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore as a trade chip and suggested the Seattle Mariners would be the best fit in a potential blockbuster deal.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
While this attack is outside its control, the potential viral threat to user accounts is taken seriously.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
For instance, Circle derived nearly the entirety of revenues and income as reported in 2024 from interest on these reserve assets, but that has the potential to change rapidly.
—Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Cipher has big plans to unlock the potential of his students by pushing them to their physical limits.
—EW.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for potential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potential
Adjective
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Don’t try to work as explosively as possible; instead, focus on proper form and mastering the movement pattern.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
15 July 2025
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This new licensing platform expands our ability to reach and engage our fan community on Roblox in the deepest way possible – by working directly with them!—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Indianapolis City-County Council members are also discussing the possibility of fines and mandatory parenting classes for parents and guardians whose children repeatedly violate the new rules.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
14 July 2025
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Others wanted to consider the possibility of technological advancements.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Gaskins said the policy change benefits the city’s prospects for hosting major league professional and elite amateur teams in the future, and, at the same time, provides young residents and visitors with opportunities to participate in evening sports.—
Lee Igel,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Carlson, a Tennessee commit, was listed as the No. 7 prospect for the draft by MLB.com.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potential. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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