Synonyms of strength

strength

noun

ˈstreŋ(k)th 

1

as in power

the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task

the murdered man's wife didn't have the emotional strength to face reporters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• power
• energy
• muscle
• capacity
• vigor
• capability
• potency
• force
• firepower
• horsepower
• competence
• competency
• potence
• might
• sinew
• puissance
• aptitude
• effectiveness
• usefulness
• adequacy
• effectualness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• impotence
• powerlessness
• disability
• inability
• impotency
• incapacity
• incompetence
• incompetency
• incapability
• inaptitude
• ineffectiveness
• uselessness
• inefficacy
• paralysis
• ineffectuality
• helplessness
• incapableness
• ineffectualness
• inefficaciousness

2

as in stability

the ability to withstand force or stress without being distorted, dislodged, or damaged

this cheap shelving unit doesn't have the strength to hold all those books

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stability
• sturdiness
• reliability
• soundness
• firmness
• durability
• dependability
• solidity
• toughness
• cohesion
• solidness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• instability
• insecurity
• precariousness
• unsteadiness
• shakiness
• weakness
• unsoundness
• unstableness
• insubstantiality
• unsubstantiality

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun strength contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strength are energy, force, might, and power. While all these words mean "the ability to exert effort," 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

When might energy be a better fit than strength?

While in some cases nearly identical to strength, energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

When can force be used instead of strength?

Although the words force and strength have much in common, force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

When is it sensible to use might instead of strength?

The words might and strength can be used in similar contexts, but might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

When could power be used to replace strength?

In some situations, the words power and strength 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of strength

What looks like slowness on land becomes strength in the water, where the hippo’s true speed and power surface. —Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Wickersham listens to his friend describe his strengths, and hears it in a benediction. —Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025

The genre, which dates back to the early 1920s, is now reaching new heights of popularity, and longtime music staple MTV is finally recognizing its strength in the industry with the first best country Video Music Award. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Ask for feedback sessions that balance strengths with growth areas. —Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025