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

• 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

The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025

State media said the engine, built with carbon fiber, is more powerful than past models. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025

Chicken and corn make a powerful pair, and this soup is proof of it. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025

Hundreds of trekkers and tourists were stranded by the powerful and unexpected snowstorm. —Kaijing Xiao, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2025

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