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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 Zelensky is expected to argue his case for the acquisition of the missiles that will enable Ukrainian forces to strike targets deep inside Russia, such as energy infrastructure, military bases and weapons factories. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 On a late afternoon video call, Dave East appears relaxed but focused — the kind of energy that suggests both reflection and momentum. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2025 In the decades that followed, outdoor climbing was effectively reserved for those with ready access to crags and gear, who had ample time and energy to burn. Kelli María Korducki, HubSpot, 17 Oct. 2025 Tolleson Union High School District Seeks a $125 million bond for safety and security, building maintenance, replacement of major systems for energy efficiency, construction of school buildings, technology, furniture and transportation vehicles. Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for energy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energy
Noun
  • While not explicitly mimicking their moves, from scuttling to pounces the choreography does have a vigor that drives friendly and fierce moves into the fantastic.
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Safdie shoots the table tennis sequences with breathtaking vigor, often capturing Chalamet dominating matches in long, single takes.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While the airports are run by the county government, their funding comes from fuel sales, retail revenue and the fees airlines pay to run flights in and out of Miami.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The deal allows Aramco to raise external funding to support its Jafurah gas project — a key part of the company’s plan to increase gas production by 60% to meet rising demand for the fuel.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Zebra mussels can completely clog water intake structures and affect public water supplies, power generation and many other industries.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Dallas Cowboys climbed up most NFL power rankings lists following their 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The aura of loserdom hovers over him.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
  • In that silence, the aura of D’Angelo only grew wider.
    Marcus J. Moore, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hamas’ Government Media Office said 480 humanitarian aid trucks, including three with cooking gas and six with diesel fuel, entered Gaza on Wednesday.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Butane, a flammable gas, cannot be shipped and is the only item omitted from this kit.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In a struggle that eventually leads to Jayson holding Maeve hostage outside, Grasso musters strength and shoots Jayson in the head, in a small act of vengeance for Lizzie.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Meantime, continued strength at LongHorn has been driven by improving taste, service and quality metrics, per the analyst.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Directed by Sylvain White and featuring early performances from Meagan Good, Ne-Yo, and Chris Brown, the film celebrates movement as both self-expression and a path toward belonging—perfect for the spirit of Homecoming season.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Simons didn’t let a lack of minutes early in his career ruin his spirit.
    Jay King, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Nix had no juice early, with four straight incompletions to start, and Payton continued to struggle to find any flow as a play-caller for three quarters.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Remember when Tyreek Hill was drinking pickle juice during a 2020 Chiefs game?
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energy. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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