powerful

adjective

pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl 

1

: having great power, prestige, or influence

a powerful leader

2

: leading to many or important deductions

a powerful set of postulates

Synonyms of powerful

• influential
• significant
• strong
• important

Examples of powerful in a Sentence

The country is becoming more and more powerful.

powerful drugs that attack cancer cells

The cash bonus provides a powerful incentive to workers.

The perfume has a powerful smell.

It's a very powerful movie.

The dog has a powerful body.

She has a powerful voice.

The weapons are very powerful.

The aardvark uses its powerful claws to dig for food.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, for users looking to build more powerful AI models locally, AMD unveiled HALO, its own AI platform. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026

That belief makes the experience feel like a powerful full-circle moment. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026

Rodríguez, 56, is a powerful figure and longtime confidant of Maduro, and she has been backed thus far by Venezuela's military commanders. —CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026

The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing powerful

• all-powerful

Kids Definition

powerful

adjective

pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl 

: full of or having power or influence : strong, effective

powerfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb