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

And methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. —Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 26 Nov. 2025

More to the point, the old idea that serotonin is a simple, sleep-promoting signal in the brain is fully out of fashion; later research found that serotonin may also be a potent source of wakefulness, and that its function in the sleep-wake cycle is both complicated and diverse. —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025

Up to 18 inches of snow will blanket parts of New York over Thanksgiving as a potent winter storm moves across the state. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

In all its locations, the natural world is a potent element, the land’s beauty and its hiding places well captured; the fine camerawork is credited to three DPs, Hélène Louvart, Sarah Blum and Tim Fleming. —Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 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