powerful

adjective

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

Synonyms of powerful

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 At his most powerful, Maxo is one of those writers who knows full well how sound can sell a message. — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 6 July 2026 The image is powerful — a dog sprinting across green grass, the quintessential picture of canine happiness. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 Few would dispute that on average or even at the median, males may be bigger and more powerful than females, or that in certain contact sports the difference may be telling and on occasion dangerous. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing powerful

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power forward
powerful
powerfully
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Cite this Entry

“Powerful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powerful. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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
-f(ə-)lē How to pronounce powerful (audio)
adverb

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