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

Chromebook Deals While most Chromebooks comfortably sit in the lower end of the potency spectrum, the Asus CX34 pushes the portable's capabilities to the max while still keeping prices low. —PC Magazine, 30 Nov. 2025

The authors also noted a dramatic shift in THC potency, with today's products often topping 20% THC, compared to just 5% in the 1990s. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025

This month is a masterclass in pacing, presence, and potency. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 28 Nov. 2025

To explain its wondrous potency, scientists noted that when tryptophan made its way into the brain, it could be converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin. —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025

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