powerful

adjective

pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl 

1

: having great power, prestige, or influence

a powerful leader

2

: leading to many or important deductions

a powerful set of postulates

Synonyms

• heavy
• heavy-duty
• important
• influential
• mighty
• potent
• puissant
• significant
• strong

Examples of powerful in a Sentence

The country is becoming more and more powerful.

powerful drugs that attack cancer cells

The cash bonus provides a powerful incentive to workers.

The perfume has a powerful smell.

It's a very powerful movie.

The dog has a powerful body.

She has a powerful voice.

The weapons are very powerful.

The aardvark uses its powerful claws to dig for food.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gangs launch attacks on Haitian capital PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- A powerful gang coalition has launched new attacks on Haiti's capital, driving dozens of families from homes as police vowed Wednesday to hold the gunmen back. —Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025

Their access to powerful weapons and ammunition plays a major part in their dominant status. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025

Under the administration of former President Joe Biden, the United States was Ukraine's staunchest and most powerful ally and a force for isolating the Kremlin. —arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025

Blizzards expected in Northern Plains Forecasters warned that heavy snow whipped by powerful winds are likely to make travel treacherous in parts of the Rockies and Northern Plains. —Associated Press, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing powerful

• all-powerful

Kids Definition

powerful

adjective

pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl 

: full of or having power or influence : strong, effective

powerfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb