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

Cuccurullo believes long-term success will depend on something simpler than potency. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

In the lead-up to the last presidential election, academics and tech observers were concerned about the increasing potency of deepfakes, believing that synthetic images and replications of political figures would sow chaos on and offline. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Ideally there would be enforced age restrictions, accurate labels, independent testing, and honest potency information to protect people, especially the kids who are able to casually buy it due to lax store management. — David Manheim, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026

Now he’s paired with Currie and the collective potency of Sierra Canyon. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 28 July 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