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

Or some kind of former potency the Playgirl spread had for him. —Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2026

This will also increase the potency of green tea while providing the benefits of lemon water simultaneously. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026

Both Democrats and Republicans in both committees questioned the potency of the The $40 rebates Moore proposed are a continuation of a policy from the Next Generation Energy Act of 2025, which also gave Maryland residents $40 refunds on their electric bills. —Tinashe Chingarande, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2026

High potency lactic acid deeply exfoliates dead surface cells while licorice brightens dark spots, and it’s clinically proven to immediately and significantly plump the look of fine lines and boost radiance in three minutes, per the brand. —Jamie Allison Sanders, InStyle, 23 Feb. 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