potential
adjective
po·ten·tial
| \ pə-ˈten(t)-shəl
\
\
Definition of potential
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: existing in possibility : capable of development into actuality
potential benefits
2
: expressing possibility
specifically
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb phrase expressing possibility, liberty, or power by the use of an auxiliary with the infinitive of the verb (as in "it may rain")
potential
nounDefinition of potential (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: something that can develop or become actual
a potential for violence
b
: promise sense 2
2a
: any of various functions from which the intensity or the velocity at any point in a field may be readily calculated
b
: the work required to move a unit positive charge from a reference point (as at infinity) to a point in question
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Other Words from potential
Adjective
potentially
\ pə-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms for potential
Synonyms: Adjective
Synonyms: Noun
capability, eventuality, possibility, potentiality, prospect
Antonyms: Adjective
actual, existent, factual, real
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Examples of potential in a Sentence
Adjective
Doctors are excited about the new drug's potential benefits. Critics say the factory poses a potential threat to the environment. He is a potential candidate for president. The project has potential risks.Noun
Scientists are exploring the potentials of the new drug. The new technology has the potential to transform the industry. There is potential in the new technology, but it will be a long time before it can actually be used. The company has a lot of potential for future growth. He has the potential to be one of the team's best players. He shows enormous potential as an athlete.
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Not the big name studs, but both have potential for nice production. — Si Fantasy Staff, SI.com, "Fantasy Football 2019: Auction League Mock Draft," 30 Aug. 2019 Kendrick Bourne might have more potential than Matthews, but his up-and-down summer included three drops and a false start in preseason games. — Eric Branch, SFChronicle.com, "49ers’ beat writer Eric Branch’s fearless 53-man roster projection," 30 Aug. 2019 But to judge by Thursday’s set, Burna has potential to run it up the charts on his own terms. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: Burna Boy celebrates L.A.'s African diaspora at star-making Wiltern show," 30 Aug. 2019 Free one-time water damage services to dry out phones or other small devices with potential water damage. — Jake Newby, USA TODAY, "What to know about your cell service during Hurricane Dorian," 30 Aug. 2019 Restaurant owners and health care officials have raised concerns about the potential for costly and disruptive power outages as a result of the program. — Nico Savidge, The Mercury News, "A new website tells you when PG&E might shut off your power to prevent wildfires," 28 Aug. 2019 Experts say Iran seeks sanctions relief and not war, but are alarmed by the potential for miscalculation, either by Tehran or its foes. — Washington Post, "Israel’s shadow war with Iran bursts into the open," 27 Aug. 2019 The maneuvers have the potential to cause further delays in an already fitful prosecution. — Michael R. Sisak, BostonGlobe.com, "Legal questions loom as Harvey Weinstein case nears trial," 25 Aug. 2019 The Oregon Ducks are in the mix for several elite football prospects at the start of the season, but no position has more potential than at linebacker. — oregonlive.com, "Justin Flowe, 5-star LB, wears Oregon Ducks gloves, goes viral with body-slam tackle," 24 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
The potential is there, but there are some concerns. — Mike Preston, baltimoresun.com, "Preston: Ravens’ strengths might not be enough to overcome weaknesses as they transition to games that count," 30 Aug. 2019 Here is unbridled potential for the poetic—in everything, even in ourselves. — Maya Phillips, The New Yorker, "Joy Harjo, the Poet of American Memory," 29 Aug. 2019 Expect growing pains in coverage, but the potential for each is immense after such a great start. — Fletcher Page, Cincinnati.com, "You may see these 5 freshmen on the field a lot for Cincinnati football in 2019," 27 Aug. 2019 At The Greenbrier, the potential for conflicts of interest was clear from the beginning. — Ken Ward Jr., ProPublica, "Lawmakers Call for Ethics Reform to Deal With Billionaire Resort-Owning Governor," 21 Aug. 2019 Because the chief a few years ago laid down a law, do not chase them in cruisers, because the potential for injury is so great from that. — cleveland.com, "Are Cleveland dirt bike riders dangerous marauders or annoyances to be ignored -- This Week in the CLE," 17 Aug. 2019 The potential for the case to turn into a significant distraction for the players is real. — Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "How do the UW players react if Quintez Cephus' battle carries over into the season?," 14 Aug. 2019 The great potential for sonogenetics is that this technology could be applied to control nearly any type of cell: from an insulin-producing cell in the pancreas to pacing a heart. — Sreekanth Chalasani, The Conversation, "The new field of sonogenetics uses sound waves to control the behavior of brain cells," 9 Aug. 2019 Given the fierceness of that devotion, the potential for horror is nearly endless. — The Economist, "Helen Phillips’s “The Need” skilfully exploits maternal fears," 9 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'potential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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