potency

noun

po·ten·cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē

plural potencies

Synonyms of potency

: force, power

: the quality or state of being potent

: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result

: potentiality sense 1

Examples of potency in a Sentence

The potency of her words changed many minds in the audience that night. Any vitamin of high potency should only be taken in the proper dosage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

But now that message has lost some of its potency, eclipsed by worries about a higher cost of living and deportations. — Claudia Grisales, NPR, 18 Oct. 2026 Producing the materials closer to domestic clinics will safeguard their potency. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 My personal favorite is the Lamborghini Countach, a pairing of manufacturer and model name that has unparalleled phonetic potency. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026 Officers searched the restroom and found a package of contraband drugs, including K2, high-potency THC wax and suboxone strips. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for potency

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of potency was in the 15th century

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Browse Nearby Words

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potency

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Potency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potency. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

potency

noun

po·ten·cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent

vitamins of high potency

especially : power to bring about a certain result

Medical Definition

potency

noun

po·ten·cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent: as

: chemical or medicinal strength or efficacy

a drug's potency

: the ability to copulate

—usually used of the male

: initial inherent capacity for development of a particular kind

cells with a potency for eye formation

potency

noun

Synonyms of potency

Examples of potency in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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