powerful

adjective

ˈpau̇(-ə)r-fəl How to pronounce powerful (audio)
Definition of powerfulnext
as in influential
having great power or influence a powerful producer in the music business who is considered responsible for the careers of several superstars

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of powerful The hype about retatrutide has been building for years, ever since Lilly revealed results from a mid-stage study that suggested the drug might be more powerful than any weight-loss drug currently on the market. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026 That is one reason specialized AI companies see an opening even as frontier models continue becoming more powerful. — Nicole Casperson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Another person died in Ohio as powerful storms swept through the Midwest, officials said. — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026 The powerful storm swept through Chicago late Tuesday morning, downing large trees, and produced a 99-mph wind gust in nearby Gary, Indiana. — Ben Noll, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for powerful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for powerful
  1. influential
  2. significant
  3. strong
  4. important
Adjective
  • Yet, with Morgan Gibbs-White often Forest’s most influential player in the No 10 role, McAtee was limited to a bit-part role last season.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The 78-year-old Larson was poised to be influential inside a potential Democratic majority and has led the party on efforts to expand Social Security benefits and fortify the program into the future.
    — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of influential
Adjective
  • Low-income Americans who can’t afford to buy into the housing market and who lack a significant presence in the stock market are starting on their back foot.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Apple needs significant upload capacty include the volume of shipping required to bring the iPhones to market.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency said August and September are expected to be the most critical months as dry vegetation and strong winds create favorable conditions for fires to spread rapidly.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For someone who is dogmatic, or has a strong commitment to evangelism, this may not be satisfactory.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • That’s important for Cyprus because under an existing agreement, Cypriot energy consumers would have to put up as much as 63% of the cable’s construction cost, meaning a significant jump in electricity prices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • As artificial intelligence revolutionizes how tasks are completed, many people are pleading their cases for why their jobs are important.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of important

Browse Nearby Words

powered
powerful
powerfully
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Cite this Entry

“Powerful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/powerful. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of powerful for Spanish Speakers

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