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

• energy
• firepower
• force
• horsepower
• might
• muscle
• potence
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

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

Both mineral and chemical sunscreen will lose potency over time due to sweating, swimming, and general sloughing off of the skin. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 May 2025

The review followed an independent review that found that the Tennessee Department of Corrections was not consistently testing the execution drugs for potency and purity. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 23 May 2025

Each product is tested for potency and things like pesticides and heavy metals, said lab manager Adam Richardson. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025

Gulf Arab leaders, aware of the symbolic potency to their own people of the Palestinian plight, sought to change Mr. Trump’s thinking on Gaza. —Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 16 May 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