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 findings may reflect kratom’s increasing availability and potency, the authors said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

His lack of potency was especially troubling since the Kings seemed to get only one line to heat up at a time. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026

With advertisers and traditional media companies looking to leverage the potency of creators, Melissa Hsieh Nikolic, Director of Product Management, YouTube Ads outlined a number of new initiative for buyers. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026

Tatum’s offensive potency finally arrived after halftime. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 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