might

noun

Definition of mightnext
as in power
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task currently the President lacks the political might to push the programs through the Congress

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This region of a neutron star is, for all intents and purposes, a single macroscopic atomic nucleus, bound together not by the strong nuclear force but by sheer gravitational might. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2025 The mishap likely occurred in front of a large crowd at the northeastern port of Chongjin, increasing the public humiliation for Kim who tried to show off military might, experts say. —Reuters, USA Today, 25 May 2025 Needleman’s notion of might is not so different from Trump’s. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025 The deal has been controversial since it was first announced in December 2023, with both sides of the political aisle opposing foreign control of a once-key component of US industrial might that has fallen on hard times. —Kit Maher, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
  1. power
  2. strength
  3. energy
  4. capability
  5. capacity
  6. muscle
Noun
  • But that, in itself, speaks to the power of acknowledging reality onscreen — even in science-fiction.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 May 2025
  • If the Heat doesn’t extend that qualifying offer, Mitchell would become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and Miami would lose the power to always have an opportunity match outside offers.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Definition of power
Noun
  • On the services side, leisure and hospitality (38,000) and financial activities (20,000) provided some signs of strength.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 4 June 2025
  • Harnessing a diversity of strengths, skills and knowledge lies at the heart of effective change management.
    — Kelly Leonard, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of strength
Noun
  • Though the final legislation will likely mirror broad elements of the deal brokered by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), GOP senators are hammering out differences over deeper budget cuts, Medicaid provisions, clean energy incentives, and more.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
  • The Sacramento Bee reached out to energy experts to find out the answer: Does setting my thermostat to 78 degrees actually save me money?
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of energy
Noun
  • However, prior to their weekend, Smith's Venis launches a new iteration of an AI app he's developed that plunges the world into chaos, courtesy of its capability to produce highly realistic deepfake videos.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 31 May 2025
  • To address rising costs from tariffs, Bitmain VP Irene Gao said during the Antminer S23 launch that Bitmain is working to expand its manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
    — Colin Harper, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of capability
Noun
  • Later, Stokes represented Bean as his personal lawyer when he was sued in his capacity as superintendent of the center in 2003. Valliant, appointed to his seat on the board by the county commissioners, has represented county commissioners as their lawyer.
    — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 7 June 2025
  • Samuels will be joining the cast in a supporting capacity.
    — Dave Quinn, People.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • Magnesium is an essential mineral in many body processes, including blood pressure control, muscle and nerve function, energy production, and blood sugar regulation.
    — Ashley Wong, Health, 27 May 2025
  • According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition weakens the body’s connective tissue, affecting the skin, muscles and joints.
    — Escher Walcott, People.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of muscle

Phrases Containing might

Browse Nearby Words

miffs
might
mightily
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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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