potent

1 of 2

adjective (1)

po·​tent ˈpō-tᵊnt 

1

: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful

a potent argument

2

: achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective

potent methods

3

a

: chemically or medicinally effective

a potent vaccine

b

: rich in a characteristic constituent

a potent drink

4

: able to copulate

—usually used of the male

potently adverb

potent

2 of 2

adjective (2)

of a heraldic cross

: having flat bars across the ends of the arms see cross illustration

Synonyms of potent

Adjective (1)

• rich
• strong
• robust
• concentrated

Examples of potent in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

a potent tea that is the perfect morning pick-me-up

a potent argument for expanding our program of space exploration

potent medicine that can be obtained through a doctor's prescription

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Another episode, directed by Andrew DeYoung, sees Tom accidentally ingest potent hallucinogenic mushrooms, with Rhys nailing absurdist humor and a haunting flashback. —Emma Fraser, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

Developed by the Catalysis Engineering Group at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the Solvothermal Liquefaction (STL) process uses a potent mix of solvent, heat, catalysts, and intense pressure to cook mixed plastic waste back into oil. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026

Lupino makes the most of a low budget, crafting a genuinely suspenseful thriller with potent emotional resonance. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026

Lebanon’s fractured system of government makes those fears of civil war or sectarian strife more potent. —Mick Krever, CNN Money, 6 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Goth brūthfaths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master

Adjective (2)

obsolete English potent crutch

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potent

• pluripotent

Kids Definition

potent

adjective

po·​tent

ˈpōt-ᵊnt

1

: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful

potent arguments for a strong defense

2

a

: very effective

potent medicine

b

: rich in a particular quality : strong

potent tea

potently adverb

Medical Definition

potent

adjective

po·​tent ˈpōt-ᵊnt 

1

: having force or power

2

: chemically or medicinally effective

a potent vaccine

3

: able to copulate

—usually used of the male

potently adverb