strength

noun

ˈstreŋ(k)th How to pronounce strength (audio)
Definition of strengthnext
1
as in power
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task the murdered man's wife didn't have the emotional strength to face reporters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reliability
the ability to withstand force or stress without being distorted, dislodged, or damaged this cheap shelving unit doesn't have the strength to hold all those books

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun strength contrast with its synonyms?

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

When might energy be a better fit than strength?

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

a worker with boundless energy

When can force be used instead of strength?

Although the words force and strength have much in common, force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

When is it sensible to use might instead of strength?

The words might and strength can be used in similar contexts, but might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

When could power be used to replace strength?

In some situations, the words power and strength are roughly equivalent. However, power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

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 strength The current government, elected in 2023, sees its strength in close alliance with a strong European Union. —Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2025 Oftentimes, strength is second to likeability, an ever-shifting and unpredictable barometer that’s impossible to satisfy. —Audrey Ingram, People.com, 3 June 2025 Pushing for growth at all costs can end up destroying value rather than creating it, through wasteful investments and diverting resources from the core strengths of the firm. —Ulrich Pidun, Harvard Business Review, 3 June 2025 Get together with your planning team and review each person’s strengths and weaknesses. —Denis Sinelnikov, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for strength
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strength
  1. power
  2. reliability
  3. energy
  4. stability
  5. muscle
Noun
  • While others chase fleeting trends or seek instant results, those who understand and leverage the power of patience may be able to secure more consistent, sustainable and rewarding investments.
    — Rodolfo Delgado, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Sandman With the power to control and transform into sand, Sandman (his real name is Flint Marko) is a tough opponent for Spidey and his friends.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 May 2025
Definition of power
Noun
  • Wholesale Trade-Offs And DTC Gaps Department stores were once synonymous with reach, reliability, premium customer service and validation (especially the kind of reputational validation that designers crave).
    — Adam Ayers, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Testimony about Proctor’s text messages comes as Read’s team has spent weeks attempting to sow doubt about the reliability of evidence presented by prosecutors, in an effort to distance Read from O’Keefe’s death.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Definition of reliability
Noun
  • 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
  • The crypto and blockchain sectors require tech-savvy developers, compliance officers, clean energy producers, lawyers, financial analysts, and marketing professionals.
    — Jeremy Cooney, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Definition of energy
Noun
  • Hegseth said his visit will include several meetings aimed at reinforcing America's commitment to stability in the region.
    — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra has surpassed its $50 million campaign fundraising goal, ensuring the stability of its endowment, the orchestra announced Wednesday.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2025
Definition of stability
Noun
  • 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
  • Aerobic exercise to boost your cardiovascular fitness is important, Dr. Rosser says, but so is strength training to maintain (or increase) muscle and bone mass after age 40.
    — Amy Norton, SELF, 27 May 2025
Definition of muscle

Browse Nearby Words

streetwise
strength
strengthen
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Cite this Entry

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

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