omnipotent

/ɑmˈnɪpətənt/ formal

Say it: om-NIP-uh-tuhnt

1. adjective Having unlimited power; able to do anything.
In many theological traditions, God is described as an omnipotent, all-knowing creator.
2. adjective Having very great or unlimited authority or influence.
The dictator had created a state where his power was absolute and he seemed omnipotent.
3. noun A being who has unlimited power.
He behaved not like a manager, but like an omnipotent whose every whim must be obeyed.

📖 Seen in the wild

In many religions, God is described as an omnipotent being.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ omnipotent in a sentence

The novel's villain was a nearly omnipotent sorcerer who could alter reality at will.
To a small child, a parent can seem omnipotent and infallible.
No government should be omnipotent; checks and balances are essential for a free society.
The tech giant has become so dominant that some critics fear it is now an omnipotent force in the market.
The paradox of the stone asks if an omnipotent being can create a stone so heavy that it cannot lift it.
He strutted around the office like he was omnipotent, but he couldn't even fix the printer.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

all-powerful almighty supreme invincible unrestricted godlike prepotent

all-powerful · a more direct and slightly less formal synonym.

almighty · carries strong religious connotations, almost exclusively used for a deity.

supreme · emphasizes the highest rank or authority, not necessarily unlimited ability.

Opposites: powerless, impotent, helpless, weak, limited

🌱 Where it comes from

Omnipotent comes directly from Latin, combining 'omni-' meaning 'all' and 'potens' meaning 'powerful'. It entered English in the late 14th century, primarily through theological writings attempting to define the nature of God. Its meaning has remained stable, though it is now also used figuratively for secular figures with immense power.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

omnipotent beingomnipotent rulerseemingly omnipotentnearly omnipotentomnipotent poweromnipotent creator

Omnipotent is a strong, formal word best suited for discussions of theology, philosophy, or absolute power. In everyday speech, it can sound hyperbolic. Be careful not to confuse it with 'omniscient' (all-knowing) or 'omnipresent' (everywhere at once), two other 'omni-' words often used to describe a deity.

Word family: omnipotence, omnipotently

💬 Quick answers

What does omnipotent mean?

It means having unlimited power and being able to do anything. The word literally translates from Latin as 'all-powerful'.

What is the difference between omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent?

Omnipotent means all-powerful. Omniscient means all-knowing. Omnipresent means existing everywhere at once. These three terms are often used together to describe the attributes of a supreme being.

Can you use omnipotent to describe a person?

Yes, but it is almost always a figurative exaggeration. Calling a CEO or political leader omnipotent suggests they have immense influence, not that they possess actual, unlimited power.

Is omnipotent a formal word?

Yes, omnipotent is a formal word. It is most common in theological, philosophical, or literary contexts and can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation.

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