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Synonyms

world power

American  

noun

  1. a nation, organization, or institution so powerful that it is capable of influencing or changing the course of world events.

world power British  

noun

  1. a state that possesses sufficient power to influence events throughout the world

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of world power

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Often called the first modern president, TR expanded the office’s power and influence, wielding his clout to conserve public land, regulate corporations and bolster America’s status as a world power.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

His Majesty’s Surge has “nicked” a spot on this week’s list to give an update on the Merry Land of Britain, an ancestral world power.

From Slate • May 25, 2024

Russia, the other major world power in Brics, has a different purpose for it.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2023

Overall, most Asians surveyed said they had no desire to return to their ancestral countries and 53% said the U.S. will be the dominant world power over the next 10 years.

From Washington Times • Jul. 19, 2023

Striving to be recognized as a world power as well as a European power, Germany sought to extend its influence in the few remaining areas of the world that were not under European rule.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.