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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 Many Americans have been fired or had their free-speech rights violated because of their statements about the war—and this has created a tremendous insurrectionary energy on both the far right and the left. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025 The Claremont McKenna College Robert Day Sciences Center is aiming for LEED Gold (a green building standard) and, as mentioned, features a large solar panel array on its roof that contains 11,000 sq ft (1,021 sq m) of solar panels, providing around 342 MWh of energy annually. New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2025 The haziness of the energy balance hides this brief imbalance, which allows the virtual particles to influence the real world. Dipangkar Dutta, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025 Deadheading helps redirect the plant’s energy into producing more flowers instead of creating seeds. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for energy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energy
Noun
  • Mulch may help rebuild topsoil and enhance water infiltration, potentially boosting plant vigor.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
  • It will be measured in the vigor of his curiosity, the depth of his attention, and the audacity of his explorations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This means a car owner should account not only for upfront purchase price, but for the full suite of financial costs, like repairs, maintenance and fuel.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Alejandra's arms are full of fuel canisters.
    Teri Schultz, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hanke relates that it was riddled with loopholes that handed the Banco Central de la República Argentina discretionary monetary powers.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Brad was firmly outside the mansion’s mysterious aura of cool during that now 50-year-old scene, so Bostwick just hangs out with other fans if he gets lost.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025
  • But Picardo developed a comprehensive strategy and mission statement to attract more consumers and brand partners, while maintaining Holts’ luxury aura and reinforcing its social values.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hollub said the deal helps Oxy focus on its core oil and gas business, especially in the booming Permian, while strengthening its financial position through debt reduction.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Cha 1107-7626 is surrounded by a disk of gas and dust, which constantly falls onto the planet and accumulates during a process that astronomers call accretion.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Linebacker Zaire Franklin could not care less about the Colts’ strength of schedule.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Another important strength of the category may look at first like a contradiction.
    Rebecca Ackermann, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Workplace CultureBest workplaces Europe The Nordic approach to business builds empowerment, team spirit and engagement.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • New & Noteworthy Hint's Winter Variety Pack captures the chilly, lighthearted spirit with cheerful flavors and clean ingredients.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In its most useful form, Stevenson’s passion provides confidence, purpose, juice.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Remove from heat and stir in reserved ham and lemon juice.
    Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energy. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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