potent

1 of 2

adjective (1)

po·​tent ˈpō-tᵊnt 

1

: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful

a potent argument

2

: achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective

potent methods

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

potent

2 of 2

adjective (2)

of a heraldic cross

: having flat bars across the ends of the arms see cross illustration

Synonyms of potent

Adjective (1)

• rich
• strong
• robust
• concentrated

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

Adjective

As a potent cold front approaches the Tri-State Area, conditions will rapidly go downhill in a hurry once Monday rolls around. —Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026

Go to Kopitiam for Malaysian street-food and potent iced coffee in a bag, Golden Diner for a truly killer pancake, and Kiki’s for cozy Greek food. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Mar. 2026

Freshman phenom Mia Cataruzolo fits right in with seniors Sabrina Stone and Nayeli Thayer for one of the state’s most potent lines. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026

Cold front on the way As a potent storm roars across the Great Lakes, a strong cold front will move across the eastern half of the United States in mid-March. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Goth brūthfaths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master

Adjective (2)

obsolete English potent crutch

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potent

• mezzotint
• pluripotent

Kids Definition

potent

adjective

po·​tent

ˈpōt-ᵊnt

1

: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful

potent arguments for a strong defense

2

a

: very effective

potent medicine

b

: rich in a particular quality : strong

potent tea

potently adverb

Medical 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