powerful

adjective

pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl 

1

: having great power, prestige, or influence

a powerful leader

2

: leading to many or important deductions

a powerful set of postulates

Synonyms of powerful

• influential
• significant
• strong
• important

Examples of powerful in a Sentence

The country is becoming more and more powerful.

powerful drugs that attack cancer cells

The cash bonus provides a powerful incentive to workers.

The perfume has a powerful smell.

It's a very powerful movie.

The dog has a powerful body.

She has a powerful voice.

The weapons are very powerful.

The aardvark uses its powerful claws to dig for food.

Recent Examples on the Web

As her anger and resistance grow, her body begins to transform into porcelain, becoming a powerful symbol of her silent rebellion and her fight to reclaim her own identity. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Deadly landslides struck Southern and Central California, wiping out hillside homes, and powerful waves pounded the state’s shoreline. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

The projections can take whatever physical form a ring-bearer wills, and some powerful Lanterns have conjured the shapes of living beings, though sentience is another matter. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Nostalgia is powerful, for schoolchildren and eminent scientists alike. — Mike Brown, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing powerful

• all-powerful

Kids Definition

powerful

adjective

pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl 

: full of or having power or influence : strong, effective

powerfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb