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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerful
having great power or influence
a potent argument for expanding our program of space exploration
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
But Manhattan Federal Judge Laura Taylor Swain’s order Tuesday kicking off the process to appoint such a manager marks a turning point in the horrific history of the city’s jails because of the potent powers of the position.
—
Elizabeth Glazer, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him — the lambswool stole over his shoulders and the fisherman’s ring on his finger — as if the weight of responsibility of leading 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide had just sunk in.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Las Vegas had to part ways with franchise stalwart Kelsey Plum (who was sent to the Los Angeles Sparks) in the deal, but Loyd should be able to form her own potent partnership with Wilson.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 15 May 2025
Fans from America to Europe to Australia bought his books and flocked to his one-man shows, and his potent doses of humor and hard truth enthralled both the highborn and the humble.
—Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
Elizabeth Glazer, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him — the lambswool stole over his shoulders and the fisherman’s ring on his finger — as if the weight of responsibility of leading 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide had just sunk in.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Las Vegas had to part ways with franchise stalwart Kelsey Plum (who was sent to the Los Angeles Sparks) in the deal, but Loyd should be able to form her own potent partnership with Wilson.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 15 May 2025
Fans from America to Europe to Australia bought his books and flocked to his one-man shows, and his potent doses of humor and hard truth enthralled both the highborn and the humble.
—Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for potent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potent
Adjective
-
Oklahoma City is rich in First American history and culture, and there are myriad ways to connect with it, from authentic Native American restaurants to attending cultural events and shopping at local businesses.—
Anne Roderique-Jones,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2025
-
Behind the fizz is a category rich in history, layered with tradition, and increasingly serious about quality.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Climate change means new hurricane threats Climate change makes powerful storms more common, in part because sea surface temperatures are abnormally high in the part of the Atlantic where hurricanes form, and in the Gulf of Mexico where many hurricanes gather strength before hitting land.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
22 May 2025
-
The grounds are expansive and impeccably maintained, and Memorial Day ceremonies here are among the most powerful in the state.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
It's powered by the fast and efficient S10 chip and boasts tons of health, fitness, and lifestyle features, including GPS workout recording, ECG, sleep and cycle tracking, music, podcast, and third-party app support.—
Cierra Cowan,
PC Magazine,
24 May 2025
-
Life hacks are methods for making daily tasks easier, more efficient, or more enjoyable.—
Paul McClure
May 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
-
According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
-
But Means has attracted scrutiny from health professionals over her background and the ire from some on the far-right including activist Laura Loomer, an influential voice for Trump.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
Israel’s campaign in Gaza The influential pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera aired on a loop what appeared to be mobile phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being pulled away after the shooting, his hands behind his back.—
Maya Sweedler,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Rather than finding an effective means to stop LLMs from following instructions included in untrusted content—something no one has managed to do yet—GitLab is mitigating the harm that can result from this behavior.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
23 May 2025
-
The university was accused of failing to establish effective mechanisms for combatting antisemitism until last summer.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
There were decreases in cities with robust service organizations and some that have leaned more heavily on police.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 May 2025
-
However, the state’s schools have also made their behavioral threat assessment teams more robust in recent years.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
The bill would also impose significant caps on loans for parents and undergraduate students, while eliminating a lending program for future graduate students.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
Almost every automaker has capitalized on this growth, with a few exceptions—Tesla being the most significant.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potent. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share