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

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a powerful tool
a potent tool
an effective tool
an effectual tool
a strong tool
a valuable tool
powerful groups
prominent groups
important groups
persuasive groups
formidable groups
a powerful argument
a compelling argument
an influential argument
a convincing argument
an effective argument
a forceful argument
a powerful incentive
a potent incentive
a compelling incentive
a strong incentive
an effective incentive
a valuable incentive
a powerful weapon
a potent weapon
a devastating weapon
a formidable weapon
an amazing weapon
an effective weapon

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 These stories are even more relevant in 2025, when tech’s most powerful figures have assumed an outsize role in American politics. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025 Soldiers posted triumphant selfie videos at the entrance of the devastated palace, which overlooks the Nile River, after days of heavy fighting with the Rapid Support Forces, the powerful paramilitary group that the army is battling for control of Sudan. — arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025 The Real Madrid brand was a powerful tool in securing new signings. — Guillermo Rai, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025 On paper, Ansar Allah, even with its vast arsenal of missiles and drones and sizable support base, pales in comparison to the world's most powerful military. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for powerful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for powerful
  1. influential
  2. significant
  3. strong
  4. important
Adjective
  • Combined with the high rates of ownership and interest in crypto by increasingly influential age cohorts, and the future of crypto payments continues to look bright.
    — Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In Virginia, one especially influential editor, James J. Kilpatrick of the Richmond News Leader, worked behind the scenes against desegregation with Mr. Byrd and state officials.
    — Essence, Essence, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of influential
Adjective
  • Israel does not dispute that a significant number of Palestinian civilians have been killed in its war in Gaza.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim and Ibrahim Dahman, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
  • One 2021 analysis found a small but statistically significant increase in texts to Crisis Text Line from LGBTQ+ youth in the four weeks after anti-LGBTQ+ legislation was proposed.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    — Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    — National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • Ensuring Resonance: Connecting Emotionally for Commitment While data and logic are important, influence ultimately hinges on emotional connection.
    — Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of important

Browse Nearby Words

powered
powerful
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Cite this Entry

“Powerful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/powerful. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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