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
Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
As young women get more socially and politically liberal, men are veering to the right, placing an emphasis on traditional gender roles and, for some, leaning into frighteningly potent misogynistic views.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025
The direct tethering transforms resting T cells into potent killers at the tumor site.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Quinn Jordan, Megan Dwyer and Elisabeth Stutzman anchor a potent attack, while Abigail Cotter and Kyla Darmon lead a strong backfield.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
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Adjective
So while the 27-year-old is one of the most potent bats available, teams will have to decide on his positional fit.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
As young women get more socially and politically liberal, men are veering to the right, placing an emphasis on traditional gender roles and, for some, leaning into frighteningly potent misogynistic views.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025
The direct tethering transforms resting T cells into potent killers at the tumor site.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Quinn Jordan, Megan Dwyer and Elisabeth Stutzman anchor a potent attack, while Abigail Cotter and Kyla Darmon lead a strong backfield.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 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 22 Sep. 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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