might makes/is right
idiom
—used to say that people who have power are able to do what they want because no one can stop them
Examples of might makes/is right in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In this new reality, might makes right and the strong prevail over the weak and the rest.
—
Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 15 Nov. 2024
Taking their place would be the law of the jungle, the notion that might makes right.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
There are times when might makes right, but right can sometimes make might.
—Tanisha M. Fazal, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024
The inegalitarian assertion that vulnerable people have less claim to society’s protection amounts to the tyrannical idea that might makes right.
—Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024
In Blatt’s slippery moral universe, might makes right—because the mighty are usually the ones who can offer him the most cash or inflict the most pain when crossed.
—Amanda Chicago Lewis, Wired, 25 Feb. 2021
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.
Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 15 Nov. 2024
Taking their place would be the law of the jungle, the notion that might makes right.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
There are times when might makes right, but right can sometimes make might.
—Tanisha M. Fazal, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024
The inegalitarian assertion that vulnerable people have less claim to society’s protection amounts to the tyrannical idea that might makes right.
—Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024
In Blatt’s slippery moral universe, might makes right—because the mighty are usually the ones who can offer him the most cash or inflict the most pain when crossed.
—Amanda Chicago Lewis, Wired, 25 Feb. 2021
Dictionary Entries Near might makes/is right
Cite this Entry
“Might makes/is right.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/might%20makes%2Fis%20right. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share