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

Instead, the goal should be funding high-quality trials; evaluating state-legal products; creating product safety standards for potency, additives and so on; establishing reliable impairment metrics and toxicology standards; and otherwise creating a robust body of research. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025

Over time, Mike was granted agency and potency as a homeowner (next door to Archie and Edith) and father (baby Joey came along in season 6). —Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 29 Dec. 2025

In laboratory experiments, mosnodenvir showed high potency against a wide range of dengue genotypes, remaining effective at very low concentrations. —New Atlas, 29 Dec. 2025

Not only does the taste change but so does the potency. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025

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