potent

1 of 2

adjective (1)

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

potent

2 of 2

adjective (2)

of a heraldic cross

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

Synonyms

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

Beyond the considerable issue of adequately defending the potent Eagles offense, the Chiefs most obviously will seek to better protect Mahomes — who was sacked six times and pressured 16 times without the Eagles blitzing once. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025

Today’s deal features the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9, a high-end gaming laptop that wins our Editors' Choice award due to its potent gaming performance and premium features for a reasonable price. —PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025

After opening the season with one of the most potent offenses in the sport, the Cubs have seen several key sluggers take steps back. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025

Tennessee has transfers at quarterback (Aguilar) and tailback (Star Thomas) leading an offense that has looked very potent so far. —Seth Emerson, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025

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