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 Was this supposed to be a show of American military might? Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 Now they are being called on by their leader to adapt to a grim reality of military might. Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025 And yet, for all its financial might, the Premier League hasn’t had a Champions League finalist in the past two seasons. Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 This week, China marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II with a parade displaying its military might and global draw. Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • This is a sister organization to the Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind Project 2025—a sweeping conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping the federal government by expanding presidential power, dismantling parts of the civil service, and rolling back regulations across agencies.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Additional revelations hint of Kiri's evolving powers, the menacing Quaritch bonding with Varang to help defeat the Na'vi, a spectacular air/sea clash between the Ash People, the RDA, and the Na’vi, and Spider threatening to kill someone offscreen.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While this has not been a strength so far this year, I'd be shocked if Andy Reid didn't test the undermanned Ravens front seven -- and have at least a little bit of success.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Two no-trump shows some interest in game and asks about partner's second suit as well as his strength.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Nightly entertainment, including magic shows and live music, brings energy to the evenings.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Rebecca Hall plays Rosenkrantz and Ben Whishaw plays Hujar, who offers a detailed account of his previous day’s activity, involving such idiosyncratic eminences as Susan Sontag and Allen Ginsberg—and the sorts of gamesmanship and intimate tensions that ensnare and frustrate artistic energies.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To do this, focus on uniquely human capabilities in your employees and hone those skills.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The idea — supplying Ukraine with an interest-free loan of $164 billion to boost its military capabilities — would send a forceful message to Moscow, Merz wrote in the Financial Times.
    Claire Cameron, semafor.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And roundabouts actually increase road capacity (30%-50%, according to Bryson).
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Nvidia also has invested in CoreWeave, which supplies data center capacity to OpenAI and is also an Nvidia customer.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Previous waves of automation mostly replaced muscle; this one replaces judgment.
    Toby Stuart, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Most weight training also raises your heart rate, and most cardio exercises help build muscles throughout your body.
    Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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