might

auxiliary verb \ ˈmīt \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: might in a Sentence

Definition of might

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.

4 a —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.

Origin and Etymology of might

Middle English, from Old English meahte, mihte; akin to Old High German mahta, mohta could

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

might

noun

Definition of might

1 a : 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

striving with might and main

2 dialect : a great deal

See might defined for English-language learners

Examples of might in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of might from the Web

And a move on the trade balance Mr Trump makes so much of might spare China from having to take steps that would strike at its theft of intellectual property, its subsidies and its restrictions on foreign investment.

— The Economist, "Donald Trump is undermining the rules-based international order," 7 June 2018
Smith sees the ship not just as a piece of military history and American might, but as a witness to history.

— craig hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "The Battleship Texas played a big, booming part at D-Day," 6 June 2018
Try as one might, there was no way out but to go with the dense flow of sweaty humanity.

— raf casert, chicagotribune.com, "A dare: Skip the Colosseum and Vatican on a trip to Rome?," 1 June 2018
Some of the mystique surrounding the activities at the 10 locations the cakes were formerly sold from might've been just a rumor.

— kevin litten, NOLA.com, "Post-Mardi Gras roundup: All of the season's biggest controversies," 15 Feb. 2018
America’s national-security officials see a China that is converting economic heft into geopolitical clout and military might.

— The Economist, "A threatened trade war between China and America may be on hold," 24 May 2018
Yamamoto had spent several years in the United States earlier in his military career, studying at Harvard University and admiring America’s industrial might.

— chris carola, BostonGlobe.com, "Researchers to mark site where Pearl Harbor planner died," 16 Apr. 2018
Yamamoto had spent several years in the U.S. earlier in his military career, studying at Harvard University and admiring America's industrial might.

— CBS News, "WWII research team marks death of Pearl Harbor mastermind," 16 Apr. 2018
Postcards depicting North Korea’s military might — missiles raining down on a geographic feature adorned with the Stars and Stripes and the Statue of Liberty under siege — were big sellers, according to the clerk.

— Washington Post, "2 trips to North Korea with top US diplomat, 18 years apart," 12 May 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.

Origin and Etymology of might

Middle English, from Old English miht; akin to Old High German maht might, magan to be able — more at may

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

might Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of might

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.