potent

adjective

ˈpō-tᵊnt How to pronounce potent (audio)
Definition of potentnext
1
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) a potent tea that is the perfect morning pick-me-up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerful
having great power or influence a potent argument for expanding our program of space exploration

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in efficient
producing or capable of producing a desired result potent medicine that can be obtained through a doctor's prescription

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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 potent With Olise nullified, so, too, was the service to France’s most potent weapons in Dembele and Mbappe. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Paramount says the case appeared designed to help streaming companies, including Netflix, avoid a more potent competitor. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 My teenager has begun using a fragrance product that is so potent that the entire house reeks. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 Cychlorphine, a potent synthetic opioid described as up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl, is a new emerging opioid at the top of the DEA's radar. — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for potent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potent
  1. rich
  2. powerful
  3. efficient
  4. strong
  5. influential
  6. effective
  7. robust
  8. significant
Adjective
  • Watson joins a rich constellation of auteurs who have previously presided over the Sarajevo jury in past editions, including Mike Leigh, Jeremy Irons, Asghar Farhadi, Ruben Östlund, and Mia Wasikowska.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026
  • Quinoa is also rich in fiber, as well as magnesium, iron, folate, and potassium, per Zinn.
    — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 22 July 2026
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • While Maduro and Flores have awaited trial in a federal detention facility in Brooklyn, their home country has been grappling with a humanitarian disaster following a pair of powerful back-to-back earthquakes in June, killing at least 5,278 people.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Self-Monitoring May Improve Weight Management Weighing daily can be a powerful tool for building awareness of trends and for adjusting habits to improve overall health.
    — Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • During long periods of inactivity, blood flow still slows, large muscles remain underused, and metabolic processes become less efficient, regardless of your fitness level.
    — Jakob Roze, Health, 23 July 2026
  • But there is a significant difference between operating a specialty pharmacy and building one that is integrated, efficient and patient-centered.
    — Jigar Thakkar, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of efficient
Adjective
  • After a strong start to the tournament, the reigning champions teetered on the brink of elimination throughout the knockout stage, trailing Egypt and England until the closing stages, needing extra time to overcome Cape Verde and Switzerland.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The incoming prime minister grew up in the northwest of England, a part of the country where the Catholic Church has traditionally had a strong presence, and his outlook has been shaped by Catholic teaching.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • In March, at a town hall meeting hosted by the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, some influential Beach figures sharply questioned whether the zoning benefits would be sufficiently generous to lure developers.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Vinod is now widely regarded as one of the most influential innovators and investors in Silicon Valley.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of influential
Adjective
  • Nearly a decade ago, a city task force spurned proposals to ease those restrictions to foster housing development north of Fifth along Washington, said Mooney, who is retiring from the city effective July 31.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • To what extent should the effective use of AI in the application process be applauded?
    — Cami Fateh, Vogue, 22 July 2026
Definition of effective
Adjective
  • According to park factor, the run-scoring environment at Sutter Health the past two seasons is the second-most robust in the majors, behind only Coors Field.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • For everyone’s peace of mind, robust security measures must be put in place to ensure that only genuine factory software can be installed and that hackers are locked out.
    — Michael Harley, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
Definition of robust
Adjective
  • Burnham’s faith is significant given the centuries of legislation and convention that effectively prevented Catholics from becoming prime minister.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • While Kyiv has made significant progress since 2022 in defending itself against Russian missile and drone attacks, the country remains extremely vulnerable to ballistic missile strikes.
    — Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of significant

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potency
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potentate
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Cite this Entry

“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potent. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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