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 As the Trump administration continues to pursue a deal to end the war in Ukraine — one that may end up being more favorable to Moscow than Kyiv — Europeans, for the first time in decades, are focusing on their own military might. Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025 Standing in the cavernous factory, with the aft section of a submarine towering above him, Mr. Starmer expressed pride in this statement of British might. Mark Landler, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025 But Europeans know that this is their moment to cut the security cord with America and revive their own might. David Brooks, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025 Europeans know that this is their moment to cut the security cord with America and revive their own might. Steve Denning, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • Natural gas has the opportunity to compete with coal, diesel, and other inefficient power sources across the globe, delivering cleaner and cheaper power.
    Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Trump has already tested the bounds of the Constitution governing presidential power several times in the first months of his second term.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • So, in a different situation our strengths might be perceived as problematic.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Dwyer has the speed to take the top off of defenses, but his hand strength has also been impressive.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Similarly, the magnetic fields release their energy by producing these jets.
    David Garofalo, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Tuesday's vote could be the first measure of Trump's popularity and Democrats' energy after the election five months ago.
    The NPR Network, NPR, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Despite his proven capabilities, Strickland's title run was relatively brief, serving as a catalyst for Bryan Danielson's subsequent feud with Jon Moxley.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Many of China’s technologies built for civilian purposes are being built with dual-use capabilities, with an eye toward using them in an invasion of Taiwan.
    Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With members like Iraq, Kazakhstan and the U.A.E. adding to capacity, pressure on the remaining members (translation Saudi Arabia) can only grow.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Effective leaders are set apart from the others by their capacity to act rather than freeze.
    Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS causes loss of muscle control and there is currently no cure for this disease.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Eating cottage cheese before bed helps stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which can help support a healthy metabolism.
    Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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