potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē 

plural potencies

1

a

: force, power

b

: the quality or state of being potent

c

: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result

2

: potentiality sense 1

Synonyms

• power
• strength
• energy
• muscle
• capacity

Examples of potency in a Sentence

The potency of her words changed many minds in the audience that night.

Any vitamin of high potency should only be taken in the proper dosage.

Recent Examples on the Web

The smell will fade overtime as the blinds begin to dry, but diluting vinegar with water helps minimize the potency of the scent. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 July 2025

Paranoia and hatred nourish Joe like vital nutrients, and their potency only grows throughout Eddington. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025

But Banda undeniably adds to their potency in the attack. —Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Although vitamins can be taken after the expiration date on the label, their potency may decrease over time. —Health, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent

vitamins of high potency

especially : power to bring about a certain result

Medical Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent: as

a

: chemical or medicinal strength or efficacy

a drug's potency

b

: the ability to copulate

—usually used of the male

c

: initial inherent capacity for development of a particular kind

cells with a potency for eye formation