potency

noun

po·ten·cy | \ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē

plural potencies

Definition of potency

1a : 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 & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about potency

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Examples of potency in a Sentence

The drug can improve sexual potency. vitamins of high potency that should be taken only in the proper dosage

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the potency of the migration debate continues to grow in Italian politics. — Giovanni Legorano, WSJ, "Italy’s Salvini Puts Roadblocks in Migrants’ Way While Reaching Out to Fellow European Populists," 27 June 2018 Lizan Mitchell brings stirring voice and an almost revival-meeting sense of emotional potency to Gonzala — another character whose gender has been switched from the original Shakespeare, along with Francisca, played sharply by Yadira Correa. — James Hebert, sandiegouniontribune.com, "'Tempest' a satisfying whirl of wit and wizardry at Old Globe," 24 June 2018 Southampton are in particular need of more potency in their attack, with club top goal scorer Charlie Austin chipping in with a measly seven goals in all competitions. — SI.com, "Leicester and Southampton Interested in Free-Scoring Ivory Coast International," 15 Apr. 2018 Overall, the track seems to be a little lacking in potency, with just a lone verse from Drake following a catchy chorus. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, "Ranking Each Song From Side A of Drake's 'Scorpion' Album: Critic's Take," 29 June 2018 Instead, pay attention to the potency (15 percent THC is on the lighter side, 30 percent is rocket fuel). 21. — Dan Adams, BostonGlobe.com, "21 questions answered about legal marijuana in Massachusetts," 21 June 2018 There’s simply too much advantage for politicians on the fringes in keeping the issue alive and too much fear among moderates of that potency to allow for compromise. — Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "Like Bush and Obama, Trump gets stuck on immigration," 21 June 2018 Approved MyChelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel $23, Amazon $23 (was $28, now 18% off) If the potency of a glycolic peel seems intimidating, consider MyChelle’s pumpkin version, which mildly exfoliates with fruit enzymes. — Ashley Weatherford, The Cut, "Are You Exfoliating Your Face Wrong?," 11 July 2018 His power always lay in his individuality: his exposure of twisted inner longings, his articulation of the potency of trauma, and his reified faith in the power of interpersonal grace. — Thomas Harlander, Los Angeles Magazine, "Maybe We Should Take David Lynch’s Thoughts on Trump with a Grain of Salt," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'potency.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.