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 Build in breathing room, handle one useful task, and let a small shift protect your energy before the day starts running you. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026 Minerals used in defense systems, energy infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies are increasingly viewed as strategically important. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026 California energy regulators have approved new restrictions on replacement tires that vehicle owners can buy, saying that the rules will protect the environment and save money in the long run. Tom Wait, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Then, once the county entered into a 66-year lease agreement with the Dana Point Harbor Partners, Wenzel said the energy changed again. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for energy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energy
Noun
  • Yet the aura of competence alone may carry Florida fans well into this fall.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The idea is to preserve their physical integrity and maintain their sacred aura.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Kittle, seven weeks since tearing his right Achilles in a wild-card playoff win at Philadelphia, was seen conditioning with vigor and impressive agility on a side field earlier this week.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Lastly, to dull the war-mongering vigor of the Rivermen, Ormund installs small, scared little boys, ripped from their homes, all along the chemin de ronde — a baby human shield for Ser Daeron the Daring’s great army.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The resumption of Saudi exports could help ease tight supply of heavier grades that produce more residue fuel which ⁠can be used to refuel ships or processed further at refineries, to yield higher quality fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
    August 18, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Ukraine has been significantly expanding its long-range strikes deep into Russia in recent months, with prime targets including urban centers, fuel processing facilities, logistics hubs and military sites.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Since Chinese leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, many aspects of personal life for members of the Communist Party or the state sector, from divorce to travel and social activities, have come under increasing scrutiny.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The genius villain is telepathic and has several powers, including superhuman strength, telekinesis, energy projection, shapeshifting and teleportation.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The mini bar—located inside a gorgeous wooden cabinet—was filled with local spirits like pox, a Mayan liquor made of corn, sugar cane, and wheat, and Mayalen Guerrero mezcal in a bottle so beautiful I was tempted to sneak it back in my suitcase.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Drinkwitz has said Hardy is in good spirits throughout his recovery, even having his son accompany him to rehab.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Hopes for an imminent US-Iran deal to end the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz added to optimism that oil and gas, along with other key products, would again start flowing freely after more than five months of war.
    Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The president’s statement comes after Vice President JD Vance said last week that the administration has two goals in the war, including maintaining the flow of oil and gas from Gulf countries.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Loss of muscle strength, medication side effects, neurological conditions, and changes in vision or balance can all affect gait.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Guest judge Willy Chavarria praises how Jeffrey’s outfit moved (my favorite thing about it), but the strength of Naheim’s tromp l’oeil effect snags him the win, immunity for the next challenge, and $20,000 from Viva.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Tai chi produces long-term sleep benefits comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy in middle-aged and older adults, though CBT works faster in the short term.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Treatments range from Chinese-inspired, correcting the flow of qi within the body, to Ayurvedic, rooted in India’s most ancient healing science.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/energy. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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