MIGHT Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

might

noun

Definition of might next

as in power

the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task currently the President lacks the political might to push the programs through the Congress

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Last year, Nvidia published a paper showing that researchers could teach a simulated robot hand to spin a pen in its fingers, the way a bored student might, an action that essentially requires the pen to be in flight most of the time. —

James Somers, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 Musk put his financial might behind Trump during the campaign and is expected to be a big winner from his presidency. —

Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 6 Nov. 2024 If Europe better shares the burden of logistics, armor, intelligence, and infantry, the United States will have an easier time guaranteeing European peace and unity with its overbearing nuclear and naval might. —

Sumantra Maitra, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024 Not wanting to come in last place, the lamb sprinted past the dog with all her might. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for might

Recent Examples of Synonyms for might

Noun

On Sunday night, President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, who was facing possible prison time for gun and tax convictions, despite previously promising not to use presidential powers in his son’s criminal cases.

Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 7 Dec. 2024
Anonymity—be it through media sources or within our justice system—is as central to holding power to account as is a free press.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024