powerful

adjective

pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl How to pronounce powerful (audio)
1
: having great power, prestige, or influence
a powerful leader
2
: leading to many or important deductions
a powerful set of postulates

Examples of powerful in a Sentence

The country is becoming more and more powerful. powerful drugs that attack cancer cells The cash bonus provides a powerful incentive to workers. The perfume has a powerful smell. It's a very powerful movie. The dog has a powerful body. She has a powerful voice. The weapons are very powerful. The aardvark uses its powerful claws to dig for food.
Recent Examples on the Web
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The app is not what China considers strategic, leading-edge technology, like the A.I. chips and supercomputing capabilities that Mr. Xi covets to make his country more powerful and self-sufficient. David Pierson, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 Shah, the most powerful administrator in cricket, is keen on trumpeting the big-ticket items. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 The most powerful country in the world versus the most vulnerable people in the world. Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2025 So, in the interest of focusing on leisure rather than work, today’s deal is a powerful gaming rig that punches way above its weight with a $200 discount. Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for powerful 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of powerful was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near powerful

Cite this Entry

“Powerful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerful. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

powerful

adjective
pow·​er·​ful ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl How to pronounce powerful (audio)
: full of or having power or influence : strong, effective
powerfully adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on powerful

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