might

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auxiliary verb \ ˈmīt \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of might

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.

past tense of may

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

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

The formula contains coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, which gently drive out pore sludge without drying skin like a clay mask or alcohol toner might.

— ashley weatherford, The Cut, "My Favorite New Korean Cleanser Is Snowflake Jelly," 21 Aug. 2017
Scripture is the Word of God, and Ecclesiastes tells us that ‘the words of the wise in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.’ Wisdom is more powerful than might and better than the weapons of war (Eccles.

— kathryn jean lopez, National Review, "Quitting ‘Angry and Dumb’," 31 July 2017
Only the might of law can force insurers to pay for procedures. …

— rick montgomery, kansascity, "Behind ‘repeal and replace’ debate, a question: Is health care a fundamental right?," 22 July 2017
The traditional U.S. approach to warfare — dominance achieved by mass of force produced by the nation’s industrial might — is of limited relevance.

— george will, National Review, "The Air Force Faces the Future," 19 July 2017
In addition to the display of French military might, the parade will be augmented by about 150 US soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines, as well as American aircraft participating in the flyover.

— kevin liptak, CNN, "France puts on military show as Trump marks Bastille Day in Paris," 14 July 2017
No feat of rhetorical might can move the Rock of Gibraltar.

— daniel foster, The Atlantic, "In Defense of 'The West'," 10 July 2017
One difficulty was finding language experts, notably with mastery of Russian and Chinese, the languages of two countries whose increasingly central role has shaken up an old world order dominated by U.S. military might.

— reuters, Fortune, "Help Needed: France’s Spy Agency Is Looking for Tech Pros and Linguists," 7 July 2017
He was succeeded by Ronald Reagan, who did a masterly job of fusing might and right.

— chicagotribune.com, "We didn't win our independence to be this kind of country," 3 July 2017

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

See Words from the same year

might Synonyms

Synonyms

energy, firepower, force, horsepower, power, muscle, potence, potency, puissance, sinew, strength, vigor

Antonyms

impotence, impotency, powerlessness, weakness

Related Words

aptitude, capability, capacity, competence, competency; adequacy, effectiveness, effectualness, usefulness

Near Antonyms

disability, inability, inaptitude, incapability, incapableness, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency; ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, uselessness; helplessness, paralysis

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.