might

auxiliary verb \ ˈmīt \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

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

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

But that strike didn’t stop Assad from expanding control over the country — largely because most of the regime's military might comes from Russia and Iran.

— jim michaels, USA TODAY, "U.S. airstrike against Syria not likely to be a game-changer, analysts say," 9 Apr. 2018
The restaurant also created a new $5 Jameson whiskey margarita for March so if the fruity Presidente ones don’t float your boat, that one might.

— shannon barbour, Cosmopolitan, "Oh Snap! Chili's Is Selling Super Cheap Margaritas Next Week," 8 Mar. 2018
Until recently, the idea that the United States ought to use its might, financially and diplomatically, to help international allies was a bipartisan principle.

— paul schrodt, Esquire, "Toyota and Budweiser Took a Risk Going Political at the Super Bowl. It Paid Off.," 5 Feb. 2018
Although Alaves go into the game on the back of three straight wins, the might of Real's attacking line may be too much to handle for the Alaves defence.

— SI.com, "Real Madrid vs Alaves Preview: Classic Encounter, Team News, Prediction & More," 23 Feb. 2018
Imagine his shock, in the aftermath, driving past nearby Northwood Plaza Shopping Center and seeing a convoy of military might.

— mike klingaman, baltimoresun.com, "Monroe, other black athletes helped Baltimore heal after King's death 50 years ago," 30 Mar. 2018
And that all their striving might make for a really good story.

— shaan amin, The Atlantic, "The Sprawling, Empathetic Adventure of Saga," 28 Mar. 2018
Many military bases put machines of might on the front porch—tanks or helos or jumbo artillery guns—but the dishes fit Fort Gordon just fine.

— matt gallagher, WIRED, "Army of 01101111: The Making of a Cyber Battalion," 27 Mar. 2018
Some analysts have called on the US, Britain and other Western nations to do more to curtail the financial might of oligarchs and Russian officials surrounding Putin as a way to exert a painful price on the Kremlin leader.

— stephen collinson and zachary cohen, CNN, "US punishes Russia but Trump hedges bets on Putin," 26 Mar. 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

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.