great power

noun

often capitalized G&P
: one of the nations that figure most decisively in international affairs : superpower

Examples of great power in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Clashes between great powers are clashes of ideas and interests alike. Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 None would have arrived, as Wilson did at Versailles in 1919, prepared to dictate terms to the great powers of Europe, or dispatched American soldiers to the snows of Russia in the hopes of affecting the course of the Russian Revolution. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 6 Feb. 2024 From those early days, Mr. Xi signaled that a robust nuclear force was needed to mark China’s ascent as a great power. Chris Buckley, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2024 Over time the military’s focus has shifted to great power competition from adversaries such as China and Russia, and threats from Iran and North Korea. Lolita C. Baldor, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Feb. 2024 The coincidental rise of aggressive great power competitors in space, alongside the impressive agility and utility of commercial space companies showcased in the Ukraine War, hints at the evolving nature of space warfare in the coming decades. Charles Beames, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 They are run by money-indifferent philosophers, treasure hunters and purveyors of literary taste, a great power in a country where many politicians strive not only to reach office, but also to publish a book as a mark of their intellectual mettle. Catherine Porter, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2024 Washington can demonstrate clearly which great power is truly interested in peaceful coexistence, and even partial and limited stabilizing agreements can make a difference. Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 9 Feb. 2024 The only mythical creature among the 12 animals in the zodiac (compared to last year’s rabbit, or cat in Vietnamese communities), the dragon symbolizes great power and strength, and an auspicious future. Nila Do Simon, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'great power.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great power was in 1660

Dictionary Entries Near great power

Cite this Entry

“Great power.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20power. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

great power

noun
: one of the nations that have the greatest influence, resources, and military strength in the world

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