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Definitions

potential

[puh-ten-shuhl] / pəˈtɛn ʃəl /
ADJECTIVE
promising
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hidden likely possible probable
STRONG
budding future
WEAK
abeyant conceivable dormant embryonic imaginable implied inherent latent lurking plausible prepatent quiescent thinkable undeveloped unrealized within realm of possibility
Antonyms
STRONGEST
unlikely
WEAK
helpless impossible lacking unpromising
NOUN
possibility for achievement
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ability capability capacity potentiality power
STRONG
aptitude arete wherewithal
WEAK
the makings what it takes
Antonyms
STRONGEST
impotence inability incompetence weakness
WEAK
impossible lack

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They are also pricing out those potential updates and are in the process of securing the necessary planning permissions.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Scientists are to monitor people on the Isle of Wight to explore the potential health and wellbeing benefits of its parks, forests and beaches.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

AI’s rising unpopularity has the potential to stymie the growth of the AI boom, especially since continued growth will rely on a vast build-out of computing-data centers all over the world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Williams Companies, an owner of natural gas pipelines, is one potential AI winner, per Sass.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The key insight, possessing the potential to unlock the mystery produced by the contradictory versions of what happened during the duel, is that both sides constructed their explanations around self-serving and misguided assumptions.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis