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

Graduate forward Marta Suárez acknowledged that TCU would have to contend with a strong Washington team, but pointed out that the Horned Frogs’ own highly potent offense had to be dealt with. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2026

The Gators also happen to be one of the most potent high-speed teams in the country, with an adjusted tempo in the top 40 nationally, per Bark Torvik. —Noah White, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2026

The mineral-rich eastern Congo has been battered by decades of unrest as government forces fight more than 100 armed groups, the most potent the M23 rebel group backed by Rwanda. —Arkansas Online, 20 Mar. 2026

Others told legislators that whole-plant kratom is not the same as its synthetic derivatives, which are more potent and have been linked to overdose deaths, leading the Food and Drug Administration to call it a public health threat. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 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

• mezzotint
• 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