po·tent
ˈpō-tᵊnt 
1
: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful
2
: achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective
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
of a heraldic cross
: having flat bars across the ends of the arms see cross illustration
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
Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
While some have critiqued the plan due to size and scope and unbalanced comparison between the U.S. and Israel, it's anticipated that the Golden Dome will provide a more potent defense against adversaries like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
The film is at its most potent during its brief foray into Mengele’s Nazi past — about halfway through the runtime — taking the form of rare color scenes presented as grainy, celluloid footage shot by the Nazis themselves.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 May 2025
Now, as President Trump has made challenging the nation’s wealthiest colleges a centerpiece of his second-term agenda, the endowment tax could become a potent weapon.
—Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
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Adjective
Major battlefield victories or changes in Russian politics are the most potent weapons, while sanctions can erode morale and resources.
—Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
While some have critiqued the plan due to size and scope and unbalanced comparison between the U.S. and Israel, it's anticipated that the Golden Dome will provide a more potent defense against adversaries like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
The film is at its most potent during its brief foray into Mengele’s Nazi past — about halfway through the runtime — taking the form of rare color scenes presented as grainy, celluloid footage shot by the Nazis themselves.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 May 2025
Now, as President Trump has made challenging the nation’s wealthiest colleges a centerpiece of his second-term agenda, the endowment tax could become a potent weapon.
—Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
Cite this Entry
“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potent. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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