potent

1 of 2

adjective (1)

po·​tent ˈpō-tᵊnt How to pronounce potent (audio)
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

potent

2 of 2

adjective (2)

of a heraldic cross
: having flat bars across the ends of the arms see cross illustration

Examples of potent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
While these posts aren’t explicitly activist, their proliferation sends a potent message to networks and studios: The industry’s most influential women are now a united front, prepared to share ideas, pay-equity data, and experiences in the name of making Hollywood more democratic. Ellie Austin, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2024 No output was announced, but Rivian estimates the most potent R2 will be able to launch from zero to 60 mph in three seconds. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 Damaging winds, flooding rainfall and a few tornadoes are expected to be the main risks associated with Saturday’s potent thunderstorms. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 Lead is a potent neurotoxin that causes severe health effects such as neurological damage, organ failure and death. Aaron Specht, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 Delta-8 can have a psychoactive effect, but is typically less potent than delta-9 and occurs in smaller quantities. Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Protecting access at the state level proved potent for Democrats in those races and every election since. Jonathan Weisman Ruth Fremson, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Taken together, the immune benefits are enhanced and more potent. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024 Across the region, opioid overdoses among teens have drastically increased in recent years, fueled primarily by fentanyl, the highly potent and deadly synthetic opioid. Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 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.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Goth brūthfaths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master

Adjective (2)

obsolete English potent crutch

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near potent

Cite this Entry

“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

potent

adjective
po·​tent
ˈpōt-ᵊnt
1
: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful
potent arguments for a strong defense
2
a
: very effective
potent medicine
b
: rich in a particular quality : strong
potent tea
potently adverb

Medical Definition

potent

adjective
po·​tent ˈpōt-ᵊnt How to pronounce potent (audio)
1
: having force or power
2
: chemically or medicinally effective
a potent vaccine
3
: able to copulate
usually used of the male
potently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on potent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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