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

The home, built mostly by its owner, was designed to follow the natural contours and terrain steps, dodging existing trees and trying with all its might to blend. — Joan Morris, The Mercury News, "Look inside: Los Gatos home mimics the contours of surrounding landscape," 4 June 2019 When Bush pushed the Constellation program that started this ball rolling, most nations were far behind the United States' spacefaring might. — Andrew Moseman, Popular Mechanics, "Not Going Back to the Moon: A Brief Timeline," 27 Mar. 2019 Here’s what the national media are saying about the Seahawks’ show of defensive might. — Seattle Times Sports Staff, The Seattle Times, "What the national media are saying about the Seahawks’ win over the Vikings on #MNF," 11 Dec. 2018 The second peak represents America’s might and rise to power after the war. — Heidi Chang, latimes.com, "USS Arizona Memorial, watery grave of Pearl Harbor sailors, remains closed as officials mull repairs," 3 July 2018 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

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.