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 Below, 13 of our favorite fastest and most powerful wagons. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Apr. 2024 Here’s how to manage, according to Watson: Remember that the most powerful way to evade influence from people who gaslight you in the long term is to practice validating your own experiences and emotions. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for powerful 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'powerful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 20 Apr. 2024.

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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