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

• energy
• firepower
• force
• horsepower
• might
• muscle
• potence
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

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

Because of their potency, cracking down on nitazenes could be even more complex. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 June 2025

Harvesting too early or late reduces essential oil potency, hurting quality and profits. —Erik Otárola-Castillo, Time, 7 June 2025

The potency of the weed-butter plays a significant role in how much THC is consumed. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 4 June 2025

All sunscreens will lose potency over time due to sweating, swimming, and general sloughing off of the skin. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 May 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