po·tent
ˈpō-tᵊnt 
1
: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful
2
: achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective
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
of a heraldic cross
: having flat bars across the ends of the arms see cross illustration
Synonyms
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
Megan Zhang, Saveur, 13 Nov. 2024
The Hotel Bar specializes in upscale cocktails, like the potent espresso martini, which promises a quick jump start.
—Kathy A. McDonald, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Her support is particularly potent in Michigan (home to a large Arab American population), Arizona and Wisconsin, Reuters reports, citing a poll from an advocacy organization, the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
—Stephen Pastis, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
To make matters worse for the Bucs, injuries to WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have made their offense less potent.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for potent 
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Adjective
Both the earthy, potent red variety and its mild and floral green sister are foundational ingredients in Chinese five-spice, chili crisp, and myriad braises, noodle dishes, and stir-fries.
—Megan Zhang, Saveur, 13 Nov. 2024
The Hotel Bar specializes in upscale cocktails, like the potent espresso martini, which promises a quick jump start.
—Kathy A. McDonald, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Her support is particularly potent in Michigan (home to a large Arab American population), Arizona and Wisconsin, Reuters reports, citing a poll from an advocacy organization, the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
—Stephen Pastis, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
To make matters worse for the Bucs, injuries to WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have made their offense less potent.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for potent
Dictionary Entries Near potent
Cite this Entry
“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potent. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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