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

Her journey captures exactly what's making TikTok Shop such a potent engine for indie retailers: discoverability, community, and authentic human connection. —Catherine Erdly, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

The Wall Street Journal reports the drug is so potent, even trace amounts can be fatal — and it’s already caused at least 400 deaths in the U.K. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Proposals to ban stock trading by lawmakers are widely popular with voters — but that hasn’t been enough to propel them across the finish line, raising questions over how politically potent the issue is. —Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025

But Gleiberman says the era that followed in the late ’70s and ’80s was just as potent in may respects. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 7 Aug. 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