Definition of energynext
1
as in aura
a spiritual force that is held to emanate from or give animation to living beings many Eastern cultures believe in the significance of life energy in the healing process

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
3
as in fuel
something with a usable capacity for doing work some of the power needs of the house are provided by solar energy

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun energy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of energy are force, might, power, and strength. While all these words mean "the ability to exert effort," energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

When is it sensible to use force instead of energy?

While in some cases nearly identical to energy, force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

In what contexts can might take the place of energy?

While the synonyms might and energy are close in meaning, might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

When would power be a good substitute for energy?

In some situations, the words power and energy are roughly equivalent. However, power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

When is strength a more appropriate choice than energy?

The synonyms strength and energy are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of energy Other offerings include fresh fruit protein smoothies and energy spritzers in addition to tea and coffee. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026 But with one-fifth of the world’s oil supply still largely bottled up in the Persian Gulf, which provides more than 80% of Asia’s energy supplies, shortages are worsening and getting hard to stave off with contingency measures. Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026 Both of these decay rapidly into even more particles, so in the end, ultrahigh-energy protons (with more than 50 quintillion eV) from distant galaxies should never reach us. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 3 Apr. 2026 What was the energy like leading up to that show? Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for energy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energy
Noun
  • But inside, up on the eighth floor where the writers worked in silence, Rainey’s world unfolded for me in Technicolor, lit by her fiery aura.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
  • But the aura of deep spirituality and tangible history is impressive.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Nematodes can be a problem in Dietes and tend to reduce plant vigor and lead to yellowing or chlorosis of the foliage.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Walker offers a fresh perspective with youthful vigor.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Higher diesel and jet fuel prices are impacting the cost of shipping, meaning everything from food and clothes to toys is subject to higher prices.
    Austin Carter, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • In Kuwait, local media reported that fuel depots of the Kuwait International Airport were set on fire on Wednesday following an attack by an Iranian drone, causing significant damage.
    NPR Staff, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In a social media post on Monday morning, Kuwait said a service building at a power generation and water desalination plant were damaged in an attack Sunday evening, killing one worker.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In January, another Polymarket account won big by betting that Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela, would soon be out of power.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Of course, there was also John Ashbery, a presiding spirit in his body of work.
    Giles Harvey, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • For travelers with an adventurous spirit, Costa Rica’s South Pacific is a dream come true.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Roughly 45% of the cost of every gallon of gas is made up of costs that are consistent across the country.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • California has the highest state gas tax at 71 cents-per-gallon.
    Keith Laing, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But Food Lion is winning budget-conscious shoppers with its value and private label strength, Lempert said.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • This era of college basketball — the NIL and portal combination — has either robbed Self of his greatest strength or at least sneaked a few pennies from the community tray.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • A little girl who loved green aliens, drinking pickle juice and picking buttercups in the field with her mom.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Strain contents of blender through a sieve or colander to capture juice and liquid component.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energy. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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