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as in qi
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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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

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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 Its outsole is grippy enough for pebbly or wet conditions, while its foam midsole provides tons of energy return. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 9 June 2025 Fox News Digital spoke to multiple health experts about the multipurpose mineral, which plays a role in over 300 of the body’s enzyme systems and helps with energy production, muscle and nerve function, and blood pressure regulation. Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025 Thanks to outgoing music director James Conlon’s deft approach to Verdi, this production — featuring a truly terrifying clown suit — sizzles with visceral energy. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 The crypto and blockchain sectors require tech-savvy developers, compliance officers, clean energy producers, lawyers, financial analysts, and marketing professionals. Jeremy Cooney, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for energy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energy
Noun
  • It is believed that a women’s qi, or life force, is depleted while giving birth.
    Clarissa Wei, Bon Appétit, 16 Sep. 2024
  • Those with strong qi, who can learn to channel it, make for fierce, skilled warriors.
    Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2020
Noun
  • As Zidler, Petkoff portrays with vigor a self-serving weasel, albeit with a heart.
    Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025
  • Institutions from the Vatican to corporate boardrooms have long debated how to balance vigor and judgment.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Alabama’s approach is a strong example of how strategic collaboration can drive job creation and fuel long-term economic growth.
    Melissa Loble, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • But domestic production of the mineral, which is primarily used as fuel for nuclear reactors, has since fallen off a cliff.
    Magdalena Petrova, CNBC, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • While the Marines are expected to avoid direct engagement with demonstrators, the symbolism of active-duty troops patrolling the streets of Los Angeles has reignited deep political tensions and legal debates over the limits of federal power.
    Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2025
  • Money becomes power, and without clinical oversight, that power enables harmful behaviors.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Look, this is Florida’s third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final, so this team has an aura of confidence that’s unmatched by most others.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • Even a few states that don't normally have the chance to spot the auras, like New York, might be able to catch a glimpse.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • The price of oil makes up about half the price of a gallon of gas, so one of the first things to be affected by rising oil prices would be prices at the pump.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • These gases, possibly along with thin icy clouds, reduce the heat escaping into space, making the planet appear cooler and fainter than expected.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Knee push-ups can also be a good starting point depending on your current strength level.
    Jenny McCoy, SELF, 16 June 2025
  • For me, one of his strengths his draft year was his ability to forecheck.
    Joe Smith, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Feminine elements such as florals, draping, and oversized fans nod to the artistry of couture, keeping the spirit of Balmain both rooted in tradition and forward-looking in its vision.
    Essence, Essence, 13 June 2025
  • Rush, who held degrees from Princeton University and the University of California, Berkeley, had an adventurous spirit, per his obituary in the New York Times.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energy. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.

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