great power

noun

often capitalized G&P
: one of the nations that figure most decisively in international affairs : superpower

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Balancing act on Ukraine Saudia Arabia’s unwillingness to take sides in great power competition is also evident in policy responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2023 Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal has begun a multi-part series on great power competition that largely accepts the views of the Pentagon and China hawks. William Hartung, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023 The authors cited the rise in great power rivalry and the weakening of international norms. Max Fisher, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2022 Are we doomed to witness the return of great power rivalry, in which the United States and China vie for influence? Daniel Bessner, Harper’s Magazine , 22 June 2022 Institutional authority, in a democracy, rests on the presumption that ordinary people who are granted extraordinary influence will be changed by it — that, as Spider-Man learned, with great power comes great responsibility. Charles Homans, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2023 After all, with great power comes great responsibility. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2023 As the Spider Man films have told you, with great power comes great responsibility. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2022 When somebody says that to me, with great power comes great responsibility. William E. Ketchum Iii, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'great power.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near great power

Cite this Entry

“Great power.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20power. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

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

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