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
Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
By Monday, a potent low-pressure center will come ashore somewhere around the San Francisco Bay Area, blanketing the state in widespread precipitation and gusty winds.
—Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2026
With the Epstein story approaching the 10-year mark as a global preoccupation, this nth phase of the intrigue, largely prompted by fallout from the Department of Justice’s July proclamation that there were no further criminal charges in the works, has spawned a potent cottage industry.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 14 Feb. 2026
Our first real rain chance of the month arrives Saturday as a potent storm system sweeps across the Lone Star State.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for potent
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Adjective
Health care coverage and affordability have become politically potent issues in the run-up to November’s midterm elections.
—Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
By Monday, a potent low-pressure center will come ashore somewhere around the San Francisco Bay Area, blanketing the state in widespread precipitation and gusty winds.
—Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2026
With the Epstein story approaching the 10-year mark as a global preoccupation, this nth phase of the intrigue, largely prompted by fallout from the Department of Justice’s July proclamation that there were no further criminal charges in the works, has spawned a potent cottage industry.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 14 Feb. 2026
Our first real rain chance of the month arrives Saturday as a potent storm system sweeps across the Lone Star State.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 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 18 Feb. 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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