great power

noun

variants often Great Power
Synonyms of great powernext
: one of the nations that figure most decisively in international affairs : superpower

Examples of great power in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The South Caucasus rarely commands attention until war breaks out, pipelines are threatened, or a great power expands its footprint. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 Salomonsson’s trajectory is likely to be closer to Samberg’s, giving Winnipeg a shutdown defenseman with more puck skill than the Jets’ next great power-play defenseman. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 19 May 2026 With great power comes great responsibility, and great responsibility sounds exhausting! Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026 Most Americans, however, were not touched by the shadow of great power games or the political and legal struggles playing out on Capitol Hill. Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for great power

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great power was in 1660

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Great power.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20power. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

great power

noun
: one of the nations that have the greatest influence, resources, and military strength in the world

More from Merriam-Webster on great power

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster