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
Claire Rychlewski, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
The threat of potent thunderstorms was not limited to the south-central U.S.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024
The Lions’ offense, piloted by senior quarterback Mason Premer, was potent, but its ball-hawking defense was dominant, and CA (15-3) was blanked for the first time this season.
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 2 Nov. 2024
One to three drops of this potent salve is all that’s needed to smooth out frizz and flyaways while increasing shine.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for potent 
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Adjective
Digital pharmacies — initially viewed as potent industry disruptors by the VC investors that poured money into them — have faltered amid market pressure in recent years.
—Claire Rychlewski, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
The threat of potent thunderstorms was not limited to the south-central U.S.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024
The Lions’ offense, piloted by senior quarterback Mason Premer, was potent, but its ball-hawking defense was dominant, and CA (15-3) was blanked for the first time this season.
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 2 Nov. 2024
One to three drops of this potent salve is all that’s needed to smooth out frizz and flyaways while increasing shine.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for potent
Dictionary Entries Near potent
Cite this Entry
“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potent. Accessed 15 Nov. 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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