might

auxiliary verb

\ ˈmīt

Definition of might

(Entry 1 of 2)

past tense of may

1 —used to express permission, liberty, probability, or possibility in the past The president might do nothing without the board's consent.

2 —used to say that something is possible We might get there before it rains.I might go, but then again, I might not.

3 —used to express a present condition contrary to fact If you were older you might understand.

4a —used as a polite alternative to may Might I ask who is calling?

b —used as a polite alternative to ought or should You might at least apologize.I might have known she'd be late.

might

noun

Definition of might (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : the power, authority, or resources wielded (as by an individual or group)

b(1) : bodily strength

(2) : the power, energy, or intensity of which one is capable ran with all her might striving with might and main

2 dialect : a great deal

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about might

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Choose the Right Synonym for might

Noun

power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort. power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon. the awesome power of flowing water force implies the actual effective exercise of power. used enough force to push the door open energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work. a worker with boundless energy 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 implies great or overwhelming power or strength. the belief that might makes right

Examples of might in a Sentence

Noun

an impressive display of military might the legal might of the government

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

While the early results seemed to favor Democrats, Republicans, like in 2016, showed their might by the end of election night and gained a very narrow lead. — Tara Golshan, Vox, "Florida’s high-stakes recounts for governor and Senate, explained," 15 Nov. 2018 The man then placed himself in harm’s way and kicked the bear with all his might, which got the animal to momentarily stop the attack and retreat. — Jason Duaine Hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Man Fights Off Bear With His Bare Hands to Save His Beloved Pet Beagle," 31 May 2018 But two more might as well have been: that ‘09 North Carolina team and Duke three years ago, both of which ranked 37th on defense. — Dan Greene, SI.com, "How the Composition of an NCAA Tournament Champion Has Changed," 19 Feb. 2018 Growing up in the city has taught him to love and support his hometown, especially the Patriots, with all his might. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "Jennifer Garner is Creeped Out By This Chair in Her Son’s Room—And So Am I," 15 Feb. 2019 And South Korea is subject to the competing tugs of the U.S., which stations thousands of troops there, and China, whose economic might holds sway. — Ian Talley, WSJ, "Seven Countries Join to Hunt Ships Smuggling Fuel to North Korea," 14 Sep. 2018 The onetime American icon, representing the industrial might of the last century, lost nearly 60% of its stock valuation and was removed from the Dow Jones Industrial Average. — WSJ, "Tech Companies Faced Privacy Backlash, Car Makers Hit Bumps in 2018," 18 Dec. 2018 That’s a step in the right direction, but a truly inclusive message wouldn't have swooped in with the might of a corporate entity seemingly trying to do damage control in the first place. — Kelly Gonsalves, Teen Vogue, "Bert and Ernie from "Sesame Street" May Not Be Gay, But Why Are We So Quick to Clarify?," 19 Sep. 2018 For all the might of the Premier League, England hasn't reached the semifinals of a World Cup since 1990 — nearly 30 years ago. — Ben Nuckols, chicagotribune.com, "England face Panama with shot to secure qualification to Round of 16," 23 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'might.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.