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 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 Thanks in large measure to the might of Get Out and Dunkirk, the nine best best picture nominees have earned a combined $566.2 million at the North American box office, up from last year's $483.9 million. — Pamela Mcclintock, The Hollywood Reporter, "Oscars: Nominees Banking on the Biggest Box-Office Bump," 23 Jan. 2018 Say goodbye to the Stone Age, because the might of metal is here, and soon the snooty, French-accented Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston) is banishing the cavemen to the Badlands. — Katie Walsh, kansascity, "Funny, punny ‘Early Man’ is a kick," 15 Feb. 2018 Peskov added Russia would work to restore its military might should the U.S. start making new weapons -- though critics would say the Kremlin has already begun doing so. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "US decision to withdraw from Cold War-era nuke treaty draws rebuke from Russia," 23 Oct. 2018 Set during a time when people spoke in thou’s and thee’s, Robert Eggers’ Puritan nightmare explores the coming-of-age of a might-be witch (Anya Taylor-Joy). — Julie Kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "The 28 Best Halloween Movies on Netflix," 11 Oct. 2018 Today's iPads don't support Memojis, but tomorrow's might. — Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, "iOS 12.1 beta suggests a new iPad is coming this fall," 19 Sep. 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.