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

Maybe my argument was so strong, the AI would realize that its tech overlords were using this insanely powerful technology not to solve hunger or climate change, but to make reading less essential. — Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026

This stone is part of a larger labyrinth that eventually reaches an ocean in a system of deep, powerful interdependence. — Supriya Lopez Pillai, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

For a short book aimed at a broad audience, Rovelli has created a powerful argument for a new way to understand ourselves and our place in the universe. — Adam Frank, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

Since founding her namesake women’s luxury fashion label in 2016, Alejandra Alonso Rojas has been a powerful figure in the industry through her thoughtful designs. — Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 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