impotent

adjective

ˈim-pə-tənt How to pronounce impotent (audio)
Definition of impotentnext
1
as in sterile
not able to produce fruit or offspring most mules are impotent

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose an impotent ruler who was just a figurehead

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of impotent Decadence is the vanity of bodybuilders made impotent by steroids. — Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026 The Iranian regime is being rendered impotent. — FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026 Even in places that offer highly advanced health care, doctors have felt impotent trying to undo the damage when these horrors return. — Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 19 Mar. 2026 This unsettling thriller about impotent (emotionally, literally) university professor Ali (Turkish star Ekin Koç), on the path to vengeance after the suspicious death of his mother, scored strong reviews (including my own) and the World Cinema Directing Award out of the Utah festival. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impotent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impotent
  1. sterile
  2. helpless
  3. barren
  4. paralyzed
  5. weak
Adjective
  • Sun Pharma had previously said the site was expected to become one of its largest manufacturing ⁠hubs for sterile products in a business identified as a key global growth driver.
    — Ed Silverman, STAT, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The corporate cafe chain there before, as well as the hospital, are standardized, minimalist and sterile.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of sterile
Adjective
  • In an America where people my age feel particularly subjugated and helpless, accusing someone else of political and moral impropriety and defending your case with your life can instill in you feelings of reified self-empowerment and control.
    — Ivy Wolk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Soon Rakowski was firing the ball to a wide-open Flowers for a 43-yard touchdown as two helpless Mira Costa defenders gave pursuit.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of helpless
Adjective
  • Now that he’s strayed out of his comfort zone, Skino comes across sluggish and barren.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Once-barren lots have been excavated to lay foundations for apartments, roadways and restaurants.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of barren
Adjective
  • After 60 days, the researchers reported that treated pigs could stand and walk on all four limbs, while controls remained paralyzed.
    — Mike McRae October 21, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026
  • In 1995, however, Reeve, a competitive equestrian, had a devastating accident, breaking his spine while riding, and becoming paralyzed for the rest of his life.
    — Kate Aurthur, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of paralyzed
Adjective
  • Trump was implying Ukraine was in a weak negotiating position and did not have the military resources to fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
  • And some players are turning on the season as seen by them letting the Jaguars tear through weak tackle attempts to the tune of 183 rushing yards and three passing TDs by Trevor Lawrence.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of weak

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Cite this Entry

“Impotent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impotent. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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