po·tent
ˈpō-tᵊnt 
1
: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful
2
: achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective
3
a
: chemically or medicinally effective
a potent vaccine
b
: rich in a characteristic constituent
a potent drink
4
: able to copulate
—usually used of the male
potently
adverb
of a heraldic cross
: having flat bars across the ends of the arms see cross illustration
Examples of potent in a Sentence
Adjective (1)
a potent tea that is the perfect morning pick-me-up
a potent argument for expanding our program of space exploration
potent medicine that can be obtained through a doctor's prescription
Recent Examples on the Web
Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
His potent bat has carried the lineup in two of his first three seasons in town, the other being slowed by his first foot injury.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 2 June 2025
This is a month of potent endings, but also powerful beginnings.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
Senate Bill 72 bars kratom from being sold as candy or in a way that appeals to children, increases labeling requirements and limits the concentration of kratom’s more potent active compound, 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly marketed as 7-OH.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
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Adjective
Worthy Park Estate 109 Rum From the heart of Jamaica, Worthy Park's 109 is a potent invitation to pure, unadulterated rum flavor.
—Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
His potent bat has carried the lineup in two of his first three seasons in town, the other being slowed by his first foot injury.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 2 June 2025
This is a month of potent endings, but also powerful beginnings.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
Senate Bill 72 bars kratom from being sold as candy or in a way that appeals to children, increases labeling requirements and limits the concentration of kratom’s more potent active compound, 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly marketed as 7-OH.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
Cite this Entry
“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potent. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
potent
adjective
po·tent
ˈpōt-ᵊnt
1
: having force or power
2
: chemically or medicinally effective
a potent vaccine
3
: able to copulate
—usually used of the male
potently
adverb
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