potent

1 of 2

adjective (1)

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

potent

2 of 2

adjective (2)

of a heraldic cross

: having flat bars across the ends of the arms see cross illustration

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• rich
• strong
• robust
• concentrated

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

Adjective

The first of these is the 2002 Turbo (expected to sell for between $115,000 to $165,000), a potent two-door that helped BMW realize there was customer interest in higher-trim performance models. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025

Produced by Tri Destined Studios and Urban Books Media, The Family Business franchise remains a potent mix of action, suspense, and family drama—one that shows no signs of slowing down. —Okla Jones, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025

No wonder Phoenix is one of the most potent three-point shooting teams all season. —Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

While a potent performer, the Legion Go 2 didn't dominate outright on the synthetic tests. —Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Goth brūthfaths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master

Adjective (2)

obsolete English potent crutch

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potent

• mezzotint
• pluripotent

Kids Definition

potent

adjective

po·​tent

ˈpōt-ᵊnt

1

: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful

potent arguments for a strong defense

2

a

: very effective

potent medicine

b

: rich in a particular quality : strong

potent tea

potently adverb

Medical 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