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

The paper’s authors draw on a variety of data—drug potency, law-enforcement actions, and, cleverly, social-media posts—to study the supply of fentanyl over time. —Charles Fain Lehman, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026

Some mental health professionals working with families have started to express grave concern about the escalation in potency of substances such as cannabis, and how this may affect an increasingly vulnerable group of people. —William Jones, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026

Among the controversial bills this session are measures regarding union fees, artificial intelligence regulation and a bill to tax pot based on its potency. —Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026

Another key drop-off is Liverpool’s counter-attacking potency. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 15 Jan. 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