potent

¹ American  

[poht-nt] / ˈpoʊt nt /

adjective

1. powerful; mighty.

   a potent fighting force.

   Synonyms:

   puissant, strong

   Antonyms:

   weak

2. cogent; persuasive.

   Several potent arguments were in his favor.

3. producing powerful physical or chemical effects.

   a potent drug.

4. having or exercising great power or influence.

   a potent factor in the economy.

   Synonyms:

   influential

   Antonyms:

   ineffectual

5. (of a male) capable of sexual intercourse.

---

potent ² American  

[poht-nt] / ˈpoʊt nt /

noun

1. a fur having a pattern of T -shaped forms, placed in alternate directions and having alternating tinctures, one metal and one color, so that all forms of one tincture face the same way and are between, above, and below forms of the other tincture facing the other way.

2. a T -shaped form used in potent or counterpotent.

---

adjective

1. (of a cross) having a crosspiece at the extremity of each arm.

   a cross potent.

potent ¹ British  

/ ˈpəʊtənt /

adjective

1. possessing great strength; powerful

2. (of arguments, etc) persuasive or forceful

3. influential or authoritative

4. tending to produce violent physical or chemical effects

   a potent poison

5. (of a male) capable of having sexual intercourse

---

potent ² British  

/ ˈpəʊtənt /

adjective

1. heraldry (of a cross) having flat bars across the ends of the arms

---

Usage

What does potent mean? Potent means strong, powerful, and effective. It’s commonly applied to things that produce a powerful physical or chemical effect, especially medications and drugs. It can also be used in a more general way to describe the power or effectiveness of someone or something, such as a leader or a statement. The noun form of potent is potency. Example: The medicine is extremely potent, which means that it needs to be used very carefully according to the instructions.

Related Words

See powerful.

Other Word Forms

• potently
  adverb
• potentness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of potent¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; from Latin potent- (stem of potēns ), present participle of posse “to be able, have power”; see also potent

Origin of potent²

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English potente “crutch, staff, support,” from Middle French potente, potence “crutch, support,” ultimately from Medieval Latin potentia, Latin: power, potency; see also potent ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

Potent means really strong, but not like a body builder. Use potent instead to describe things like intense smells, powerful magic potions, and very influential people. From the Latin potentum, meaning “powerful,” potent is just that: having tremendous strength or influence in either a moral or physical sense. A potent question gets to the heart of the matter and sparks serious discussion. Really stiff drinks can be potent, as can your breath after a garlicky meal. And as the composer Igor Stravinsky once asked, "What force is more potent than love?"

Example Sentences

It is a potent, and lasting, assertion of self.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

But scientists have now discovered that the eruption also triggered an unexpected atmospheric reaction that partially removed methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from the air.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Instead, the U.A.E.—the financial nerve center of the Gulf and a potent military power—is strengthening security cooperation with Israel as both states work to change the region’s strategic balance through force of arms if necessary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Speaking to Congress, Charles referred to the potent symbolism of the American capital city.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Some scientists who are willing to concede the potent effect of environmental radiation on man nevertheless question whether mutagenic chemicals can, as a practical proposition, have the same effect.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• compelling
• dominant
• dynamic
• great
• impressive
• influential
• persuasive
• powerful
• robust
• strong
• useful
• vigorous