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.
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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.
Others have been far too quiet—producing only one billionth the energy of the proton-proton collisions at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, the most powerful particle accelerator on Earth. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2026 When exposed to warmth, this shape-memory alloy contracts sharply, converting thermal energy directly into a powerful mechanical pulling force without needing an electric motor. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 Shooting the transit, though, meant leaving KSC during launch, which meant sacrificing literal front row seats to one of the world's most powerful rockets. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026 For example, Way of the Sword rewards defensive play in the form of Issen, powerful counterattacks that are triggered by attacking before an enemy strikes. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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