potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē 

plural potencies

1

a

: force, power

b

: the quality or state of being potent

c

: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result

2

: potentiality sense 1

Synonyms of potency

• power
• strength
• energy
• muscle
• capacity

Examples of potency in a Sentence

The potency of her words changed many minds in the audience that night.

Any vitamin of high potency should only be taken in the proper dosage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now he will be paired with Currie and the collective potency of Sierra Canyon. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Hemp industry representatives welcomed the reprieve, urging Congress to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework, including potency caps and age restrictions, to ensure public safety. — A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

This step is supposed to verify the batch of medicine meets safety and potency requirements. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 9 Aug. 2026

Or rather, the potency of honesty to bring creativity and, yes, the highest intelligence, to AI. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent

vitamins of high potency

especially : power to bring about a certain result

Medical Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent: as

a

: chemical or medicinal strength or efficacy

a drug's potency

b

: the ability to copulate

—usually used of the male

c

: initial inherent capacity for development of a particular kind

cells with a potency for eye formation