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
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
Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Chelmsford’s potent offense will be tough to limit and the Lions will be competitive, while Andover also figures to be a dangerous threat.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Toxicology testing was carried out on the two victims, with blood samples showing traces of the potent poison ricin, according to lawyers for the doctors.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for potent
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Adjective
The move took away one of Orlando’s most potent attacking threats, but the Pride continued pushing to find a goal.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Chelmsford’s potent offense will be tough to limit and the Lions will be competitive, while Andover also figures to be a dangerous threat.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Toxicology testing was carried out on the two victims, with blood samples showing traces of the potent poison ricin, according to lawyers for the doctors.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for potent
Cite this Entry
“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potent. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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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