might

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun might contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of might are energy, force, power, and strength. While all these words mean "the ability to exert effort," might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

When is energy a more appropriate choice than might?

While in some cases nearly identical to might, energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

Where would force be a reasonable alternative to might?

The synonyms force and might are sometimes interchangeable, but force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

When would power be a good substitute for might?

The words power and might are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

When could strength be used to replace might?

The meanings of strength and might largely overlap; however, strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack.

use weight training to build your strength

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of might An unenforceable peace deal, resting on erroneous assumptions about history, could set the stage for a potential return of Moscow’s might. Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025 But don’t strain with all your might. Amber Sayer, Outside Online, 21 Mar. 2025 Yet even as its power has grown, Beijing still seems hesitant to flex its military might. Alexandra Chinchilla, Foreign Affairs, 20 Mar. 2025 Marvel at the firework display of disintegrating foes; revel in your might as a pair of badass demon slayers. Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • Everybody else has no choice, really, other than to bring a cruel, narcissistic far-right leader to power.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Because a bat has a thick barrel and rotates when swung, its motion and power depend on the distribution of weight across the entire shaft, not just in one spot.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Neuroplasticity allows for the formation of new connections, the purging of obsolete ones, and changes in the strength of existing connections—all processes that make subtle changes to the structure of our neural networks.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The organization will have to rely on the overall strength of its 40-man roster and rework the bullpen on the fly.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Alexander Smirnov was sentenced to six years in prison in January after pleading guilty to lying to his FBI handler about the Biden family's ties to a Ukrainian energy company -- in addition to a series of unrelated tax fraud charges.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Wade scored 157 points over the last four games, all Heat wins, and turned in a damn-near-perfect performance in the elimination game, playing with relentless energy on both sides of the ball.
    D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In recent years, Western policymakers have become particularly concerned about the capabilities of Russia and China to exploit the vulnerabilities of undersea cables.
    John Calabrese, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Barber also said its completion marked a new level of repair capabilities for advanced stealth fighters.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Lithium-sulfur would cost $4,500 for a battery with the same capacity.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
  • With capacity for only 14,000 fans, demand can more easily outstrip supply.
    Michael McGough and, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS causes loss of muscle control and there is currently no cure for this disease.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Eating cottage cheese before bed helps stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which can help support a healthy metabolism.
    Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on might

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!