potentiality

noun

po·​ten·​ti·​al·​i·​ty pə-ˌten(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce potentiality (audio)
plural potentialities
Synonyms of potentialitynext
1
: the ability to develop or come into existence
2
: potential sense 1

Synonyms of potentiality

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Examples of potentiality in a Sentence

would like to see a colony on the moon as an actuality and not merely a potentiality
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On foot, there are no boundaries in the land, no divides, nothing but the past and the potentiality of the future. — Michael McColly, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025 And where there is injustice and frustration, the potentialities for violence are greater. — NBC news, 12 Oct. 2025 But that potentiality feels nascent in Slater’s current rendering of the part rather than fully acknowledged and explored. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026 The time lapses don’t connect these scenes narratively so much as suggest the potentialities of a constantly warping persona. — Armond White, National Review, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for potentiality

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of potentiality was in 1625

Rhymes for potentiality

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Browse Nearby Words

potential head
potentiality
potentialize
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Cite this Entry

“Potentiality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potentiality. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

potentiality

noun
po·​ten·​ti·​al·​i·​ty pə-ˌten-chē-ˈal-ət-ē How to pronounce potentiality (audio)
plural potentialities
1
: the ability to develop or to come into existence
2
: potential entry 2 sense 1a

More from Merriam-Webster on potentiality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potentiality

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