potent
1 of 2adjective (1)
po·tent ˈpō-tᵊnt 
1
: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful
2
: achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective
3
a
: chemically or medicinally effective
a potent vaccine
b
: rich in a characteristic constituent
a potent drink
4
: able to copulate —usually used of the male
potently adverb
potent
2 of 2adjective (2)
of a heraldic cross
: having flat bars across the ends of the arms see cross illustration
Synonyms
Adjective (1)
- big
- concentrated
- full
- full-bodied
- heady
- lusty
- muscular
- plush
- rich
- robust
- strong
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Word History
Etymology
Adjective (1)
Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Goth brūthfaths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master
Adjective (2)
obsolete English potent crutch
First Known Use
Adjective (1)
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective (2)
circa 1586, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
potent
adjective
po·tent ˈpō-tᵊnt
1
: very effective : strong
potent medicine
2
: having power or authority
a potent ruler
Medical Definition
potent
adjective
po·tent ˈpōt-ᵊnt
1
: having force or power
2
: chemically or medicinally effective
a potent vaccine
3
: able to copulate —usually used of the male
potent
adjective
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
- rich
- strong
- robust
- concentrated
- heady
- big
- muscular
- lusty
- full-bodied
- full
- plush
- heavy
- fortified
- undiluted
- unmixed
- high-octane
- enriched
- straight
- high-test
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- mild
- weak
- light
- thin
- delicate
- weakened
- dilute
- watery
- thinned
- diluted
- watered-down
2
as in powerful
having great power or influence a potent argument for expanding our program of space exploration Synonyms & Similar Words
- powerful
- influential
- significant
- strong
- important
- mighty
- prominent
- puissant
- effective
- heavy
- capable
- senior
- efficient
- heavy-duty
- dominant
- distinguished
- top
- outstanding
- notable
- able
- great
- competent
- celebrated
- robust
- famous
- renowned
- dynamic
- noteworthy
- notorious
- illustrious
- vigorous
- eminent
- famed
- magisterial
- high-level
- authoritarian
- energetic
- prestigious
- despotic
- forceful
- preeminent
- autocratic
- tyrannical
- dictatorial
- noble
- high-powered
- tyrannic
- autocratical
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- little
- impotent
- weak
- powerless
- insignificant
- feeble
- helpless
- unimportant
- frail
- obscure
- unknown
- flimsy
- ineffective
- incapable
- infirm
- nameless
- anonymous
- incompetent
- inept
- unfit
- unskilled
- unqualified
- uncelebrated
- inexpert
- unskillful
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
- efficient
- effective
- productive
- efficacious
- effectual
- adequate
- fruitful
- operative
- useful
- capable
- adept
- skilled
- practical
- convincing
- practiced
- experienced
- proficient
- cogent
- skillful
- competent
- dynamic
- striking
- expert
- masterly
- active
- telling
- valid
- accomplished
- veteran
- feasible
- hyperefficient
- versed
- killer
- sound
- virtuoso
- practicable
- practised
- useable
- functional
- consummate
- usable
- workable
- realizable
- ultraefficient
- working
- applicable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- ineffective
- useless
- inefficient
- ineffectual
- incapable
- unproductive
- fruitless
- inoperative
- incompetent
- inexperienced
- counterproductive
- unskilled
- futile
- unqualified
- hollow
- vain
- empty
- abortive
- unsuccessful
- unfruitful
- idle
- pointless
- worthless
- unprofitable
- inexpert
- unskillful
- inoperative
- unseasoned
- unavailing
- bootless