powerful

adjective

pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl How to pronounce powerful (audio)
Synonyms of powerfulnext
1
: having great power, prestige, or influence
a powerful leader
2
: leading to many or important deductions
a powerful set of postulates

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Khamenei and fellow conservatives used the powerful levers of clerical rule to derail the Reform movement. Karl Vick, Time, 13 Jan. 2026 These materials are essential for the powerful magnets used in electric and hybrid vehicle motors, and nearly all of Japan’s supply currently comes from China. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026 But both play even better in The Whole Bloody Affair, which showcases Thurman’s powerful performance with its full, sweeping emotional arc. Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026 In normal circumstances, this matter would usually form a disk around the white dwarf that gradually drops material to its surface, leaving other stellar matter to be lost to space via powerful outflows that fling it into space. Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for powerful

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of powerful was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Powerful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerful. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

powerful

adjective
pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl How to pronounce powerful (audio)
: full of or having power or influence : strong, effective
powerfully adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on powerful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!