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

The hot plate → Gen Z's favorite ready-to-drink cocktails are raising new concerns that their high potency may fuel overconsumption. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026

His 3-point potency was particularly valuable in an April 9 win over the Boston Celtics, going 5-of-7 from deep as Boston repeatedly left Hart open and challenged him to beat them. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026

In fact, the risk of addiction is four times higher when using high-potency cannabis compared with low-potency cannabis, according to a September 2022 review of studies. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026

The Department of Health would then test the products for safety and potency. —Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 20 Apr. 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