STRENGTH Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

strength

noun

ˈstreŋ(k)th

Definition of strength next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Keratin is a fibrous protein that makes up to 95% of the structure of hair, providing hair its structural integrity, strength, and elasticity. —

Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025 Essential fatty acids, such as omega 3s, are key to the strength and performance of the brain’s cells. —

Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025 His sheer size and strength at left tackle translated to early success on the field, which carried over with the team’s move to Kansas City and the eventual merger with the NFL. —

Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025 Image Chinese regulation of A.I. has varied in intensity over the years, depending on where the country assesses its strengths and weaknesses. —

David Pierson, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for strength

Recent Examples of Synonyms for strength

Noun

The reformers driving this movement believed in human progress, scientific management, the use of government power for the public good, and replacing political patronage with the hiring of experts.

— Johnathan K Williams / Made by History, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025
Fires caused by utility equipment have increased the risk and economic vulnerability for power providers as extreme weather driven by climate change has challenged the nation’s aging electrical infrastructure.

— Ivan Penn, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025