omnipotent
om-NIP-uh-tunt
/ɒmˈnɪp.ə.tənt/
Having unlimited power; able to do anything.
Primarily used in theological discussions of monotheistic God, but extended to rulers or governments with absolute power.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from Old French, from Latin 'omnipotentem'—compounded from 'omnis' (all) and 'potens' (powerful, potent).
Word relationships
- all-powerful: Plain English equivalent of omnipotent; identical in standard meaning.
- almighty: Carries stronger traditional religious tones, often used as a direct title ('the Almighty').
- impotent: Lacking power or ability.
- powerless: Completely lacking power.
Commonly confused with
- omniscient: Omnipotent means all-powerful; omniscient means all-knowing.
Word family
- omnipotence (noun): Unlimited or universal power.
- omnipotently (adverb): In an all-powerful manner.
Collocations
- omnipotent God
- omnipotent ruler
- seemingly omnipotent
Example sentences
- "Classical theology wrestles with the paradoxes that arise when defining an omnipotent creator." Theology
- "The absolute monarch ruled as if omnipotent, ignoring the council's cautious warnings." Political History
Memory hook
OMNI (all) + POTENT (powerful) = ALL-POWERFUL. Unlimited power to do anything.
When not to use
Do not use for merely strong human beings or temporary physical strength.
Fun facts
- The 'omnipotence paradox' asks if an omnipotent being can create a stone so heavy that even they cannot lift it.
Related words
Explore more words
omnipotence, potentate, transcendent, arbitrary, ubiquitous, divine
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