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

That’s why the bill suggests developing a colored label system to denote THC potency. —Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2025

Mainstream audiences may not have always been ready for the task of keeping up with him, but Lynch’s desire to make these swerves is essential to the continued potency of his art. —Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025

Unlike more potent vapes on the market, Secret Nature’s THC-V Disposable Vape offers a milder effect, emphasizing clarity and mental sharpness over intense potency. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025

But the Eagles don’t believe a rematch portends any predictability or any less offensive potency. —Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 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