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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 The groundbreaking test, carried out with Tesla and the top US rooftop solar installer, will help keep the state’s clean energy momentum going despite the Trump administration’s crackdown on renewables. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025 Here in Los Angeles, I am constantly inspired by the city’s vibrant creative energy. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025 As red-hot Mars enters Libra on Aug. 6, the energy shifts toward balance and harmony, bringing the focus to partnership and cooperation. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 Taiwan has also pledged to increase investment in the United States, purchase more U.S. energy and boost defense spending to more than three percent of GDP in a bid to head off Trump’s levies. Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for energy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for energy
Noun
  • It is believed that a women’s qi, or life force, is depleted while giving birth.
    Clarissa Wei, Bon Appétit, 16 Sep. 2024
  • Those with strong qi, who can learn to channel it, make for fierce, skilled warriors.
    Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2020
Noun
  • Microsoft has emphasized the risks in remaining on Windows 10 with the same vigor as the benefits in moving to Windows 11.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Floratam, a variety marketed for more than 40 years, is the most popular being a traditional St. Augustine with lots of vigor.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • The transport sector has done this successfully with its fuel surcharge; as the price of fuel fluctuates, the cost is passed through with total transparency.
    Andrew Butt, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Four months later, another fuel company billed about $280,000.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Such programming has been a major hit for Netflix since debuting WWE Raw in January, and Disney is clearly hoping for something of the same regular tune-in power for its sports app.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Just when things go south, Fester’s powers cause a blackout, triggering an outcast uprising that allows Wednesday and her uncle to flee.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The disgust stems both from that aura of obliviousness and from a retrospective knowledge that the sincerity of late-two-thousands indie music was quickly co-opted into a more commercial version of itself.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2025
  • But the aura of deep spirituality and tangible, 1,000-year history is impressive.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In 1989, Jones would buy the Dallas Cowboys for $140 million after finding success in oil and gas exploration.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The lawsuit challenges the executive order meant to fast-track oil and gas projects.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • It de-risks adoption, preserves momentum, and unlocks the distinctly human strengths AI can’t replicate.
    Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Erin is the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season and could reach Category 4 strength over unusually warm ocean waters.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Festivities will finish with a lantern lighting ceremony at around 8 p.m. Six stone lanterns and paper lanterns will be released on the Japanese Garden pond and the Frog Pond so that, according to the tradition, spirits can return to their resting places.
    Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 13 Aug. 2025
  • For Gela, the spirits represent the fear of something.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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