as in power
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task
the president pledged to put the full puissance of the nation into the war effort
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Recent Examples of puissance
The reboot arrives at the peak of reggaeton’s pop puissance, and rightfully incorporates a lot more of the genre and its offshoots — Latin trap included.
—
Washington Post, 26 Nov. 2021
Which of you has the puissance to short-term deep-six me?
—Henry Alford, The New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2021
The doctrine’s puissance lies in the separation of powers.
—Matt Ford, The New Republic, 14 Jan. 2020
Over the years, when French leaders have called for a Europe puissance (European power), this has often sounded suspiciously like code for French hegemonic ambitions.
—The Economist, 7 Nov. 2019
There was a time when Jupiter was the king of the gods, and any man who doubted his puissance was ipso facto a barbarian and an ignoramus.
—John E. McIntyre, baltimoresun.com, 29 Aug. 2017
Washington Post, 26 Nov. 2021
Which of you has the puissance to short-term deep-six me?
—Henry Alford, The New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2021
The doctrine’s puissance lies in the separation of powers.
—Matt Ford, The New Republic, 14 Jan. 2020
Over the years, when French leaders have called for a Europe puissance (European power), this has often sounded suspiciously like code for French hegemonic ambitions.
—The Economist, 7 Nov. 2019
There was a time when Jupiter was the king of the gods, and any man who doubted his puissance was ipso facto a barbarian and an ignoramus.
—John E. McIntyre, baltimoresun.com, 29 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puissance
Noun
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Zebra mussels can completely clog water intake structures and affect public water supplies, power generation and many other industries.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
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The Dallas Cowboys climbed up most NFL power rankings lists following their 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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With its investments in AI infrastructure and obvious strengths on the power front, this is a country that is building out data centers and positioning itself as a hub for AI, entertainment, sports, finance, high-tech manufacturing and more.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
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Castelion claims that its mission is rooted in the belief that freedom must be actively protected – through technological strength, strategic clarity, and national resolve.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Deandre Ayton contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, and while those three provided the offensive spark, the defensive energy from Marcus Smart off the bench and Jarred Vanderbilt proved to be a game-changer, as both players recorded two steals apiece.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puissance. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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