omnipotent

IPA/ɒmˈnɪpətənt/
KK[ɑmnˈɪpətənt]IPA/ɑːmˈnɪpətənt/

omnipotent — adjective

  • omnipotentpositive
  • more omnipotentcomparative
  • most omnipotentsuperlative

1. having such complete power that nothing and no one can limit what you decide or

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

having such complete power that nothing and no one can limit what you decide or do

Example

The villagers prayed to an omnipotent god during the long drought.

omnipotent + god in religious context

In the novel, the queen seems omnipotent because every judge obeys her.

Common collocations
  • omnipotent god
  • omnipotent ruler
  • seem omnipotent
Synonyms
  • all-powerful

    the closest everyday equivalent, though still somewhat formal

  • almighty

    especially common in religious language

  • supreme

    stresses highest authority, not always unlimited power

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

be omnipotent

an omnipotent ruler

an omnipotent god

Usage Note

Most often used in religious, political, or literary contexts rather than in ordinary conversation. It commonly describes a god, ruler, or institution whose power seems impossible to resist.

Common Mistakes

This knife is omnipotent in the kitchen.
This knife is very useful in the kitchen.
'Omnipotent' suggests unlimited power, not ordinary usefulness or strength.

omnipotent — noun

Word family

  • omnipotence
    nounC2
  • omnipotently
    adverbC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Omnipotent' is the most formal of these words and suggests power without any real limit. 'All-powerful' is the clearest plain-English equivalent, while 'almighty' is especially at home in religious language and titles for God. 'Supreme' often means highest in rank or authority, but it does not always imply the ability to do absolutely anything. Use 'omnipotent' when the idea of total, unchecked power is central.

omnipotent ↗all-powerful ↗almighty ↗supreme ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • an omnipotent ruler
  • the Omnipotent

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

'Omnipotent' comes from Latin roots meaning 'all' and 'powerful'. It entered English through French and Latin religious writing, which is why the word still often sounds elevated or literary.