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
of a heraldic cross
: having flat bars across the ends of the arms see cross illustration
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
Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Between him, All-Star Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, who looked like a stud as a rookie last season, the Sixers appear to have a very promising and potent backcourt for the next decade — at least.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
There’s this tickling sensation in your nose from how potent the spice is.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
The inspiration Kaish found in nature is potent, with references to the New Hampshire landscape in Firepond I and Monadnock I, both from 1976.
—Grace Edquist, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Steve Coppell’s team were settled and, in Wright and Mark Bright, blessed with one of the most potent strike partnerships in the country.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Between him, All-Star Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, who looked like a stud as a rookie last season, the Sixers appear to have a very promising and potent backcourt for the next decade — at least.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
There’s this tickling sensation in your nose from how potent the spice is.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
The inspiration Kaish found in nature is potent, with references to the New Hampshire landscape in Firepond I and Monadnock I, both from 1976.
—Grace Edquist, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
Cite this Entry
“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potent. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share