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

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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 The strait’s closure has wreaked havoc on global economies and the energy sector, piling pressure on the US to find a solution or guarantee safe passage through the waterway. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 This is strong energy for introductions, invitations, pitches, messages, or a conversation that needs both confidence and grace. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 The object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star — a mighty blast of power closer to what is produced by a black hole. CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Those readings, as well as the monthly and annual change in core prices, which exclude food and energy costs, all matched the Dow Jones consensus estimates of economists. Davis Giangiulio,sean Conlon,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for energy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energy
Noun
  • Connecticut reported 12 clinical cases of Candida auras infection in 2024, according to CDC data.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Between the maroon French tips, silver ball details, aura effects, 3D olives, and star designs, every nail brings something new to the table.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • August 8 is 8/8; double eights are an extreme force of nature that adds vigor to our intentions.
    Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 7 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
  • In that spirit, don’t expect to see superstars such as Christian McCaffrey, Mike Evans, Trent Williams, Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw or Nick Bosa.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The backstory L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux property, was built in 1929 as a commission for Allen Knight, an adventurer and author, as a way to bring together the artistic spirit of Carmel-by-the-Sea and European traditions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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