Definitions

powerful

[pou-er-fuhl] / ˈpaʊ ər fəl /

ADJECTIVE

strong, effective

Synonyms

STRONGEST

all-powerful authoritative capable compelling dominant dynamic energetic forceful impressive influential mighty persuasive potent robust vigorous

WEAK

able almighty authoritarian big-wheel cogent commanding competent controlling convincing effectual efficacious forcible in control in the saddle omnipotent overruling paramount preeminent prevailing puissant ruling sovereign stalwart strapping strengthy sturdy supreme telling upper hand weighty wicked wieldy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

idle impotent inactive incapable ineffective ineffectual insignificant lethargic unimportant weak

WEAK

unable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

AMD has marketed its GPUs as especially powerful when handling inference workloads.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Gates joins former President Bill Clinton, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other powerful figures who have been questioned by the bipartisan committee.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

“I think it’s really powerful — it’s a little bit romantic,” Tito said, adding that he’d wished “for a life of more travels and to visit a lot of countries.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

They deliver powerful bursts of thrust that allow spacecraft to quickly accelerate, decelerate, climb, descend, or change position.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

But I got used to that too—the callousness of powerful people and the way they didn’t care what was fair.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

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