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
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 May 2024
Methane is about 30 times more potent than CO2 when released into the atmosphere.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024
Those who suffer from seasonal allergies will face not just a rise in pollen concentrations, but also pollutants that make allergic reactions more potent.
—Gabriela Riccardi, Quartz, 8 May 2024
Instead of getting ripped off, Wright was sold something much more potent.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 8 May 2024
Yet the threat to our planet caused by methane, which is more potent at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, impacts us all.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 6 May 2024
When the Dodgers need to start a rally, the $700-million signing is often their most potent spark.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2024
Mariana is a three-year-old company developing medicines that drop radioactive isotopes on cancer cells, decimating them in a more potent way than traditional radiation treatment.
—Allison Deangelis, STAT, 2 May 2024
Dawn of the Dead (1978) George Romero’s classic consumer satire about a group of survivors hiding out from a zombie apocalypse in a shopping mall has only grown more potent, more sharp, and more ferocious with age.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2024
Adjective
The plug-in hybrid is the most potent option, and produces 455 hp and 523 ft lbs of torque.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 May 2024
Methane is about 30 times more potent than CO2 when released into the atmosphere.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024
Those who suffer from seasonal allergies will face not just a rise in pollen concentrations, but also pollutants that make allergic reactions more potent.
—Gabriela Riccardi, Quartz, 8 May 2024
Instead of getting ripped off, Wright was sold something much more potent.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 8 May 2024
Yet the threat to our planet caused by methane, which is more potent at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, impacts us all.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 6 May 2024
When the Dodgers need to start a rally, the $700-million signing is often their most potent spark.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2024
Mariana is a three-year-old company developing medicines that drop radioactive isotopes on cancer cells, decimating them in a more potent way than traditional radiation treatment.
—Allison Deangelis, STAT, 2 May 2024
Dawn of the Dead (1978) George Romero’s classic consumer satire about a group of survivors hiding out from a zombie apocalypse in a shopping mall has only grown more potent, more sharp, and more ferocious with age.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2024
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 14 May. 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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