potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē 

plural potencies

1

a

: force, power

b

: the quality or state of being potent

c

: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result

2

: potentiality sense 1

Synonyms of potency

• power
• strength
• energy
• muscle
• capacity

Examples of potency in a Sentence

The potency of her words changed many minds in the audience that night.

Any vitamin of high potency should only be taken in the proper dosage.

Recent Examples on the Web

That testing not only helps ensure bioavailability and efficacy, but also tests for purity, potency, and contaminants. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026

This immediacy also strengthens the potency all the thematic threads Luigi explores. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026

Placebos have long been a fixture of clinical trials, used to ensure that the psychological benefits of getting care aren’t mistaken for drug potency. —Bloomberg, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026

As Joshua Blank, the pollster, sees it, a reason the candidates are attacking Muslims is that border issues have lost their potency. —Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent

vitamins of high potency

especially : power to bring about a certain result

Medical Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent: as

a

: chemical or medicinal strength or efficacy

a drug's potency

b

: the ability to copulate

—usually used of the male

c

: initial inherent capacity for development of a particular kind

cells with a potency for eye formation