potent

adjective

ˈpō-tᵊnt How to pronounce potent (audio)
Definition of potentnext
1
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) a potent tea that is the perfect morning pick-me-up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerful
having great power or influence a potent argument for expanding our program of space exploration

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in efficient
producing or capable of producing a desired result potent medicine that can be obtained through a doctor's prescription

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of potent The formula is quite potent with 50 different peptides, retinol, coenzyme NAD, and adenosine—all wrinkle-reducing and anti-aging ingredients. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026 That’s because all of these plants contain natural chemical compounds called glucosinolates, which become potent thanks to some cool biochemistry. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026 Fragrance is one of the most potent ways to be present with ourselves and our environments. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 26 Aug. 2026 Can head coach Kevin O’Connell and Murray meld their preferences into a potent offensive vision? — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for potent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potent
  1. rich
  2. powerful
  3. efficient
  4. strong
  5. influential
  6. effective
  7. robust
  8. significant
Adjective
  • Between the classic crossbody design, gold hardware accents, and rich color, this purse is anything but basic.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This luxe accent chair invites fall into your home with its rich velvet upholstery and warm cinnamon shade.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • Bonnell has previously shown the larger 902, which is expected to become the more powerful flagship of the company's e-Moto range.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This quietly powerful exploration of familial bonds across generations is a story of finding hope and the importance of a home.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • The service Warm and efficient, offering to show you around the historic corners of the hotel, remembering coffee orders at breakfast, and recommending dishes on the menu as if cooking supper in their own home.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers at Stanford Engineering have developed a new, highly efficient method for producing hydrogen using methane pyrolysis.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of efficient
Adjective
  • Davis delivered a strong preseason, but he is now likely headed to a redshirt rookie season unless injuries strike at tackle.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • The text profiles the cooking of such influential figures as the Catalan chef Ferran Adrià and the Basque Country’s Juan Mari Arzak and provides recipes for centuries-old dishes from Madrid.
    — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Woods, who is among the most influential figures in golf, has been involved in several road incidents in recent years.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of influential
Adjective
  • This is about using those moments of irritation to become more peaceful, whole, resourceful and effective leaders and human beings.
    — Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • That means the heat is dangerous for anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration and can be risky for anyone active in the sun or people in heat-sensitive groups.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of effective
Adjective
  • And during a second-quarter earnings call with analysts Thursday, Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman reported that K-beauty momentum continued, with robust double-digit growth in category sales compared to the same period last year.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Its celebrity pedigree is astonishing (spokespersons and fans include Jane Fonda, Martha Stewart, Andie MacDowell, Heidi Klum, etc), its offerings are robust, and many, if not most of its products, are five-star successes.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of robust
Adjective
  • Claiming the 29-year-old Robert would require a more significant financial commitment than Sewald.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The advanced weapon features AV’s 20kW-class LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform–a significant advancement in mobile, frontline C-UAS capabilities.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of significant

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potency
potent
potentate
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Cite this Entry

“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potent. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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