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 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 use of American military and economic might to protect corporate interests has ample precedence of course. — Jeet Heer, The New Republic, "The Trump administration takes a bold stance against mother’s milk.," 9 July 2018 The issue pitted leading Paulding county officials against anti-commercialization residents, and against the might of one of the world’s largest airlines, heavy-hitting lawyers and lobbyists. — Kelly Yamanouchi, ajc, "FAA brings Paulding airport commercialization to a halt," 28 June 2018 Benham’s goal: Use his data analysis skills to exploit inefficiencies in the soccer world, allowing his clubs to compete at a level higher than their financial might indicated. — Grant Wahl, SI.com, "The World Cup of Set Pieces: How Teams Are Living Off Dead-Ball Plays," 10 July 2018 With all your heart, and all your soul, and all your might. — Harry Bruinius, The Christian Science Monitor, "In Plains, Ga., an evangelical politician like no other," 11 July 2018 Shahnawaz believes that her brother was coerced into a false confession and that his detention might had been racially motivated. — refinery29.com, "Why Was A Pakistani 23-Year-Old Detained Despite Having A Student Visa?," 11 July 2018 In truth, the United States has long used its diplomatic might to subordinate global public health to entrenched corporate interests. — Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "It’s Normal for the U.S. to Put Corporate Profits Above Babies’ Health," 10 July 2018 On Monday, five-time champion Brazil flexed its might and ended Mexico's summer campaign despite Neymar's unnecessary theatrics, while Belgium bounced back from a two-goal deficit to upend Japan in a furious World Cup classic. — Editors, USA TODAY, "Fourth of July travel, Thailand cave search, World Cup: 5 things to know Tuesday," 3 July 2018 In the end, Lionsgate, which is behind the Wick movies, flexed its might, wanting to keep Stahelski in is fold. — Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, "'John Wick' Director, 'Colony' Creator Tackle Comic Book 'Analog' for Lionsgate (Exclusive)," 22 May 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.