po·tent
ˈpō-tᵊnt 
1
: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful
2
: achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective
3
a
: chemically or medicinally effective
a potent vaccine
b
: rich in a characteristic constituent
a potent drink
4
: able to copulate
—usually used of the male
potently
adverb
of a heraldic cross
: having flat bars across the ends of the arms see cross illustration
Synonyms
Examples of potent in a Sentence
Adjective (1)
a potent tea that is the perfect morning pick-me-up
a potent argument for expanding our program of space exploration
potent medicine that can be obtained through a doctor's prescription
Recent Examples on the Web
Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2024
Together, these elements create a potent mix of emotions, making new love feel like an unforgettable experience.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
This compact yet potent speaker is waterproof, so it can be used in the shower.
—Cristian Esteban, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2024
The venom is potent and can cause severe pain, necrosis (tissue death), nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for potent 
Adjective
Not an uplifting movie but a potent one, with Abbott a highly watchable figure of ambivalence, longing, and regret.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2024
Together, these elements create a potent mix of emotions, making new love feel like an unforgettable experience.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
This compact yet potent speaker is waterproof, so it can be used in the shower.
—Cristian Esteban, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2024
The venom is potent and can cause severe pain, necrosis (tissue death), nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for potent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'potent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near potent
Cite this Entry
“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potent. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
potent
adjective
po·tent
ˈpōt-ᵊnt
1
: having force or power
2
: chemically or medicinally effective
a potent vaccine
3
: able to copulate
—usually used of the male
potently
adverb
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