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
Synonyms
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
Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024
The purpose of expiration dates is to ensure the medication is fully potent and safe to use.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 9 June 2024
Alternately, the fentanyl may have been too potent for the amount of naloxone on board and failed to revive Murphy at all.
—C.j. Chivers James Patrick Cronin Elena Hecht Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 6 June 2024
Biologics are potent and quite expensive, which is why healthcare providers generally don't prescribe them right away.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for potent 
Adjective
In the theater of the courtroom — especially a trial where the prosecution’s star witnesses have been three of Hunter Biden’s former lovers — Melissa’s role is singular and potent with the only audience that matters now: the jury.
—Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024
The purpose of expiration dates is to ensure the medication is fully potent and safe to use.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 9 June 2024
Alternately, the fentanyl may have been too potent for the amount of naloxone on board and failed to revive Murphy at all.
—C.j. Chivers James Patrick Cronin Elena Hecht Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 6 June 2024
Biologics are potent and quite expensive, which is why healthcare providers generally don't prescribe them right away.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for potent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'potent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near potent
Cite this Entry
“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potent. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.
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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