great power

noun

often capitalized G&P
: 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 notion of great powers came about to distinguish between the most and least powerful states. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 16 July 2025 The story of great powers is not only one of conquest and competition. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 As historian Niall Ferguson warns: A great power that spends more on interest payments than defense breaches a threshold that historically has preceded a decline. Leslie Picker, CNBC, 7 July 2025 As a result, the United States may soon face not one but two rival great powers with large, diverse strategic nuclear forces comparable to its own. Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 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 31 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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