powerful

adjective

pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl 

1

: having great power, prestige, or influence

a powerful leader

2

: leading to many or important deductions

a powerful set of postulates

Synonyms

• heavy
• heavy-duty
• important
• influential
• mighty
• potent
• puissant
• significant
• strong

Examples of powerful in a Sentence

The country is becoming more and more powerful.

powerful drugs that attack cancer cells

The cash bonus provides a powerful incentive to workers.

The perfume has a powerful smell.

It's a very powerful movie.

The dog has a powerful body.

She has a powerful voice.

The weapons are very powerful.

The aardvark uses its powerful claws to dig for food.

Recent Examples on the Web

The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. —Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2024

Meanwhile, the Democratic Socialist aldermen Johnson tapped for powerful committee assignments upon taking office have stepped into various minefields that gave opponents openings to pounce on the narrative that the mayor’s inner circle is too extreme and lacks decorum. —A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing powerful

• all-powerful

Kids Definition

powerful

adjective

pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl 

: full of or having power or influence : strong, effective

powerfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb