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

Adams, who might be the strongest player in the NBA, uses his might to work the angles and shut opponents out. — Rob Mahoney, SI.com, "Top 100 NBA Players of 2020," 12 Sep. 2019 Through an abuse of power and the use of might to stay in power. — CBS News, "Transcript: Juan Cruz talks with Michael Morell on "Intelligence Matters"," 14 Aug. 2019 Highlights from Day 3 and the first day of pads: — The most impressive show of might came early in the first team session from right tackle Trent Brown, who buried defensive tackle P.J. Hall in a 380-pound avalanche. — Jerry Mcdonald, The Mercury News, "Rookies? Raiders’ first-round pick Clelin Ferrell isn’t familiar with that term," 29 July 2019 In 2013, once the very symbol of American industrial might, Detroit became the biggest US city to file for bankruptcy. — BostonGlobe.com, "This day in history," 18 July 2019 The escalation of American military might was aimed at deterring Iran and calming allies worried about the safety of strategic shipping lanes . — Matthew Lee, Anchorage Daily News, "US sending more troops to Mideast amid Gulf tensions over Iran," 18 June 2019 The escalation of American military might was aimed at deterring Iran and calming allies worried about the safety of strategic shipping lanes . — Fox News, "US sending troops to Mideast amid Gulf tensions over Iran," 18 June 2019 Fred swam out to rescue the girls, using all of his might to bring them to the surface and onto a board another family member had brought out to assist in the rescue. — Jason Duaine Hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Father Drowns While Heroically Saving Daughters from Riptide in Florida: 'I Got You'," 24 July 2019 President Donald Trump is marshalling tanks, bombers and other machinery of war for a Fourth of July celebration that traditionally is light on military might, while critics accused him of using America's military as a political prop. — Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY, "Fox host Lou Dobbs calls American military generals 'snowflakes' on Independence Day," 4 July 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.