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
  • For Manal, the real power of the album lies in speaking up about topics considered taboo in society.
    Nour Ezzedine, Billboard, 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
  • Getty Images That said, international and U.S. stock returns tend to ebb and flow in cycles, with each showing multi-year periods of relative strength and weakness.
    Greg Iacurci,Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Today's demonstrations show the strength of our growing movement, powered by people of all walks of life coming together to demand investments in our communities, not more cages.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 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
  • Charging rates are adjusted to reduce heat (energy loss) and prolong battery life (adaptive charging).
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 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
  • By creating programs that reduce or eliminate development fees, nonprofit organizations will have increased capacity to build more.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Boating accidents are common in Congo, where old, wooden vessels are the main form of transport between villages and are often loaded far beyond capacity.
    FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Try it as a dynamic warm-up: Experts now generally recommend warming up the muscles with gentle movement, rather than static stretching.
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Gentile cites recent research showing that proteins from phytoestrogens—whole soy foods such as edamame (soybeans) or tofu—help support muscle and increase the lean mass of older adults.
    Denise Maher, Flow Space, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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