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
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Talk of existential risk and humanity’s potential extinction was once reserved for the specter of runaway nuclear proliferation during the Cold War, when great powers stockpiled weapons out of fear that rivals would surpass them. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026 Carney condemned economic coercion by great powers on smaller countries at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026 Our atomic bomb is the power to say no to the great powers. CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026 Our atomic bomb is the power to say no to the great powers. Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Great power.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20power. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

great power

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

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