We all know something or someone that people underestimate due to their small size. But small things can pack a heck of a punch!
Down below, you’ll find some great words, phrases, and idioms that relate to things that are small but powerful.
Words for “Small but Powerful”
- Concentrated
- Compact
- Potent
- Good things come in small packages
- Atomic
- Dynamite comes in small packages
- Understated
- Bullet
- Dense
- Laconic
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Something that has a powerful impact in a small space is “concentrated.”
- You can call something dense or powerful in a small package “compact.”
- When something is “potent,” it has a notable and sometimes unexpected effect, and its effect will be most unexpected when it comes from a small object.
Stay tuned! In the next section, we’ll discuss our three favorite synonyms for “small but powerful” in greater detail.
Moreover, we’ll show you how to use each of our choices in some useful examples.
Concentrated
Merriam-Webster defines the word “concentrated” as “contained or existing or happening together in a small or narrow space or area: not spread out.”
Therefore, “concentrated” is a great term to use when you want to describe something powerful yet contained.
In fact, we speak about “concentrated power” in English to discuss when the full potential of something is directed at just a very small spot to increase its overall impact.
The best way to explain what this means is to illustrate it with an example:
The company’s resolve eventually crumbled under the concentrated power of the over a thousand protesting employees.
This example shows how a thousand workers have limited power in general. However, when they work together and “concentrate” their efforts on one organization, they can make impactful changes.
Let’s see another example:
We’ll see if your beloved hero can withstand the full, concentrated power of the sun!
Compact
You could technically describe “compact” as a Latin word for “small but powerful.” After all, it comes from the Latin word compactus, which essentially referred to substances that were “closely and firmly united.”
Merriam-Webster defines “compact” as “having a dense structure or parts or units closely packed or joined” and “occupying a small volume by reason of efficient use of space.”
In other words, something “compact” can be small but mighty because it is packed densely with power.
Oftentimes, something will be compact by design to further its potential impact and efficiency. Consider something like a grenade: its small design ensures that it can penetrate tight spaces and make the greatest impact when it explodes.
Therefore, let’s see a few examples making use of this term:
We’ll need a compact formation of our strongest troops to guard the barrier.
There was a great deal of strength that I could see in the sinews of his compact but agile body.
Potent
The word “potent” comes from the Greek word for “husband” (posis) and can refer to male fertility. However, it has a range of potential meanings in English.
Merriam-Webster defines “potent” as “having or wielding force, authority, or influence (powerful)” and “achieving or bringing about a particular result (effective).”
Therefore, you can describe something small but significant as “potent”. After all, the unexpected impact of its effect will feel far more “potent” due to its small size.
Finally, let’s see a couple of examples that include this term:
Contained in this minuscule capsule is the most potent toxin known to mankind.
The smartphone proved to be a potent force for our cultural change.