Definition of energynext
1
as in aura
a spiritual force that is held to emanate from or give animation to living beings many Eastern cultures believe in the significance of life energy in the healing process

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
3
as in fuel
something with a usable capacity for doing work some of the power needs of the house are provided by solar energy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun energy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of energy are force, might, power, and strength. While all these words mean "the ability to exert effort," energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

When is it sensible to use force instead of energy?

While in some cases nearly identical to energy, force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

In what contexts can might take the place of energy?

While the synonyms might and energy are close in meaning, might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

When would power be a good substitute for energy?

In some situations, the words power and energy 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

When is strength a more appropriate choice than energy?

The synonyms strength and energy are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 energy In humans, the same compounds appear to reduce inflammation, support metabolic function and boost energy production inside cells. Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026 Sleep researchers say fighting against your chronotype drains energy, while syncing with it makes productivity and mood click into place. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026 RPlus’ new plant, added to the grid through a deal with Idaho Power and Meta, comes online at a critical time for Idaho’s energy infrastructure. Mark Dee july 22, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026 Besides the matching outfits, the young princes radiate the same playful energy in their candid photos—taken in 1985 and 2017, respectively. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for energy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energy
Noun
  • But the documentary, to a fault, mirrors the Deadheads’ rambling aura and general absence of structure.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 July 2026
  • Even President Obama made a #VoteIRL video, lending the campaign an aura of official civic endorsement.
    Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • The Victorian era was awash in handwringing about the loss of male vigor (some of which was blamed on the unnatural intellectual pursuits of women).
    Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026
  • His ideas were too radical even for many of our Founding Fathers, but the vigor of his writing and the clarity of his thinking were as a spark to gunpowder, and that was coming, too.
    Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • And, crucially, removing fuel is the only element of the natural factors affecting the spread of a wildfire that humans can control.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • After spending months negotiating a pricey purchase of the private fuel yard that keeps PortMiami ships running, two top deputies to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava were shocked when their boss abruptly rejected the deal.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • The study provides two examples of Paramount using its market power in order to try and change the tax incentive structure in its favor.
    Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • In recent weeks, Perez has heated up at the plate and started to showcase the raw power he is known for.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • The finished bottle is aimed at drinkers looking for a wine-style alternative rather than a mocktail or spirit substitute.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 22, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • And for a distinct touch of local character, step into Appalachian Root Works, a boutique and wellness space with an eclectic indie spirit.
    Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • The new production pipeline combines ORNL’s isotope enrichment with PNNL’s chemical conversion, purification, and direct gas enrichment, creating a domestic source of semiconductor-grade materials for future quantum technologies.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026
  • Twenty years ago, skyrocketing gas prices linked to a war in the Middle East spurred questions over how to minimize reliance on fossil fuels.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • But in recent years, women have used motherhood as a strength, returning to their careers faster — and oftentimes better.
    PJ Green July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The 6-foot-2, 326-pounder will add some size and strength to the Penn State defensive line this year.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • Treatments range from Chinese-inspired, correcting the flow of qi within the body, to Ayurvedic, rooted in India’s most ancient healing science.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • What to Remove for Better Feng Shui Feng shui, an ancient Chinese practice, focuses on creating a harmonious flow of energy, known as chi.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energy. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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