potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē 

plural potencies

1

a

: force, power

b

: the quality or state of being potent

c

: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result

2

: potentiality sense 1

Synonyms

• energy
• firepower
• force
• horsepower
• might
• muscle
• potence
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

Examples of potency in a Sentence

The potency of her words changed many minds in the audience that night.

Any vitamin of high potency should only be taken in the proper dosage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Having another player that can make passes like this gives the Lakers offense some extra potency. —Mikai Bruce, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

The two-step treatment first involves a serum, encased in single-dose vials in an effort to maximize the potency of its hyaluronic acid and collagen, followed by a night cream. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025

Saya Gray seems to think so, weaving in and out of confidence, insecurity, grief, and the potency of being in love on her impressive debut, Saya. —Gabrielle MacAfee, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025

His wit hasn’t deserted him, however, which gives his hatred a poisonous potency. —Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent

vitamins of high potency

especially : power to bring about a certain result

Medical Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent: as

a

: chemical or medicinal strength or efficacy

a drug's potency

b

: the ability to copulate

—usually used of the male

c

: initial inherent capacity for development of a particular kind

cells with a potency for eye formation