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
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
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
This fantasy of reconciliation is especially potent in the series’ later seasons, written and released in the wake of #MeToo.
—Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
The city’s alchemy of old-meets-new feels as potent and enchanting as ever.
—Todd Plummer, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025
Seeing a leader actually step up and lead is a rarity these days, and Wyle’s blend of inspiration and vulnerability prove potent.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
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Adjective
This threat, while at its most potent with just 24 hours left on the filing deadline clock, will continue to pose a danger to all users for some months to come.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
This fantasy of reconciliation is especially potent in the series’ later seasons, written and released in the wake of #MeToo.
—Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
The city’s alchemy of old-meets-new feels as potent and enchanting as ever.
—Todd Plummer, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025
Seeing a leader actually step up and lead is a rarity these days, and Wyle’s blend of inspiration and vulnerability prove potent.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
Cite this Entry
“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potent. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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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