1
as in sterile
not able to produce fruit or offspring
most mules are impotent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose
an impotent ruler who was just a figurehead
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
The indiscriminate slashing has given impotent Democrats a hammer to use against the administration.
—
Nolan Finley, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
The confrontation ends when Rick pulls his gun, takes a few impotent feints at his nemesis like a junior high bully who delights in watching his prey flinch, then frustratedly tips over Jim’s chair, grabs Frank, and leaves.
—Judy Berman, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
Riding a four-game winning streak and a two-goal lead into the second intermission, the Penguins looked impotent while being steamrolled in the third period on Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena, falling 4-2 to the New York Islanders.
—Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Were Cocoa’s leaders impotent in convincing Orlando Health to repair it, in order to keep a commitment to Cocoa’s health?
—Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impotent
Nolan Finley, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
The confrontation ends when Rick pulls his gun, takes a few impotent feints at his nemesis like a junior high bully who delights in watching his prey flinch, then frustratedly tips over Jim’s chair, grabs Frank, and leaves.
—Judy Berman, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
Riding a four-game winning streak and a two-goal lead into the second intermission, the Penguins looked impotent while being steamrolled in the third period on Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena, falling 4-2 to the New York Islanders.
—Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Were Cocoa’s leaders impotent in convincing Orlando Health to repair it, in order to keep a commitment to Cocoa’s health?
—Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impotent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impotent
Adjective
-
Recently, 26 previously unknown bacterial species were discovered in NASA clean rooms — some of the most sterile places humanity has built, designed to prevent spacecraft from carrying unwanted microbes to other planetary bodies.—
Andrew Jones,
Space.com,
21 May 2025
-
Why does every waiting room look like some sterile IKEA?—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
His curveball induced one helpless swing from the Diamondbacks (26-23) after another.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2025
-
Scheifele’s emotional and inspirational decision to play mere hours after his father’s unexpected death — to play for his dad, to play because of his dad — ended in cruel fashion, with Scheifele helpless in the penalty box.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
In the early 1900s, Jennie Butchart transformed the scarred land of a barren limestone quarry into a lush retreat, proving nature’s resilience.—
Cheryl Russell,
Oc Register,
11 May 2025
-
The inky ocean depths are often assumed to be barren, but this is a myth, said Adrian Glover, a deep-sea ocean scientist at the UK’s Natural History Museum.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
Caring for a paralyzed dog has not been without its challenges.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
12 May 2025
-
But some economists doubt that resilience will persist, with employers feeling paralyzed by Trump’s confusing on-again off-again tariff blitz.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
The grand jury also criticizes city officials for weak oversight and enforcement of their contract with the Humane Society, which requires the nonprofit to enforce leash laws at 400 city parks and other venues.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 May 2025
-
Thanks to a weak front sliding across Central Florida, Thursday will be a bit cooler than prior days.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impotent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impotent. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share