having or exerting great power or force.

physically strong, as a person

a large, powerful athlete.

producing great physical effects, as a machine or a blow.

potent; efficacious

a powerful drug.

having great effectiveness, as a speech, speaker, description, reason, etc.

having great power, authority, or influence; mighty

a powerful nation.

Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S. great in number or amount

a powerful lot of money.

noun

brawn , might , muscle , potence , potency , power , puissance , sinew , thew