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
Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025
The late-April glut of convenings this year has had an especially potent effect of magnifying the latest news cycles emanating from Donald Trump’s chaotic White House: Will the President fire Jerome Powell?
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2025
He’s been their most potent asset since the international break, with two goals and one assist.
—Holly Shand, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
This new generation includes antibody–drug conjugates or ADCs, which combine a monoclonal antibody with a potent chemotherapy drug.
—Gil Press, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
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Adjective
The Lions built one of the NFL’s most potent offenses by focusing on the trenches and reimagining the running back room.
—Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025
The late-April glut of convenings this year has had an especially potent effect of magnifying the latest news cycles emanating from Donald Trump’s chaotic White House: Will the President fire Jerome Powell?
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2025
He’s been their most potent asset since the international break, with two goals and one assist.
—Holly Shand, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
This new generation includes antibody–drug conjugates or ADCs, which combine a monoclonal antibody with a potent chemotherapy drug.
—Gil Press, Forbes.com, 22 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 1 May. 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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