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 The winter window of 2025 was predictably dominated by the financial might of the Premier League, but there were still some intriguing deals being done across Europe. Thom Harris, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025 The trial hinged on accusations that Menendez used his political might to influence criminal investigations involving the two businessmen and helped direct billions in U.S. aid to Egypt to bolster their business dealings. Kristie Cattafi, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025 The combined economic might of the Bezos/Zuckerberg/Musk empires account for less than 2 percent of total American GDP, per a tally from The Economist. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025 Quirks of genetics and taste-bud architecture impact the might of sugar’s pull on any individual. Caity Weaver, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for might 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • For all of Trump’s abuses of power in his first term, culminating in his attempt to subvert the 2020 election, his administration never attempted to openly defy a court order despite losing, by one analysis, over three quarters of the federal cases it was involved in.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Immigration was a key element of President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign and helped Republicans sweep to power on a national level.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And so our – our whole position from the beginning was trying to put America in a position of peace through strength.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2025
  • View Comments This messy mix will slam much of New York state and New England overnight and Sunday while the storm is at its peak strength.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Pursue nutrition support: Food is a form of medicine and can significantly impact your energy, strength, and mood.
    Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025
  • For starters, she is blessed with magnetic energy, sultry vocals, and undeniable confidence.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Not everybody has capabilities to be impact players.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The company’s mass-market brand Mona launched its first car in August with some driver-assistance capabilities.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • All of the Razorbacks' games are expected to be streamed in some capacity.
    Sam Lane, arkansasonline.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • LaCroix is a community capacity builder with Disability Hub MN.
    Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • At that point, his focus shifted to turning the remaining body fat into muscle.
    Jack Beresford, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Symptoms of listeria typically look like signs of food poisoning, such as vomiting, muscle aches and fever.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near might

Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on might

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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