might

Definition of mightnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun might contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of might are energy, force, power, and strength. While all these words mean "the ability to exert effort," might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

When is energy a more appropriate choice than might?

While in some cases nearly identical to might, energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

Where would force be a reasonable alternative to might?

The synonyms force and might are sometimes interchangeable, but force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

When would power be a good substitute for might?

The words power and might are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

When could strength be used to replace might?

The meanings of strength and might largely overlap; however, 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 might Sarandos, for his part, seems focused on framing Netflix as the great global power player in entertainment, with some economic and cultural might to back that up. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026 Putin, in power for more than a quarter-century, has used Victory Day, Russia's most important secular holiday, to showcase the country's military might and rally support for his military action in Ukraine, now in its fifth year. CBS News, 9 May 2026 But legend has it that despite the might of these ancient conquerors, pockets of Sardinia sometimes managed to defend themselves. IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026 For China, the country with the greatest potential to challenge American military might, the war validates its focus on new forms of warfare such as drones and cyber and space power. ABC News, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • Eco effort The villas are mainly run on solar power (each villa’s roof is slightly sloped to accommodate these solar panels), and the resort is single plastic-free.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • The computing power needs, the competition from Anthropic, the potential for a more business-to-business stream of revenue, the fear that all of the big institutions that own it will want to cash out, makes this one plain fraught.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • At the same time, a 12-month clinical trial out of Penn State just confirmed that eating prunes daily can help preserve bone strength in postmenopausal women.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
  • But strength and resilience aren't just themes in her magazine.
    Mikayla Price, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • If the superfund template survives, the next decade of American energy policy will be written by trial lawyers, attorneys general and a handful of out-of-state philanthropies bankrolling the litigation pipeline.
    Yaël Ossowski, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • The Maoists’ shrinking realm sits atop rich veins of coal, iron, and bauxite – resources essential to India’s modernization and growing energy demands; Modi’s pledge to bring electricity to every household; and his broader ambition to transform India into a developed nation.
    Dhruv Tikekar, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Advanced radar and air-defense capabilities have become essential as naval forces face increasingly challenging aerial threats.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
  • Anthropic’s advances in coding and cybersecurity capabilities have rattled markets and also enticed new business customers.
    Bloomberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • According to the statement, Xcel has identified resource adequacy as a growing concern for several years and has proposed multiple solutions, including a near-term procurement plan designed to add 3,800 megawatts of new generation capacity.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 2 June 2026
  • Zelensky said in his nightly address Monday that between between January and May, Ukrainian troops have struck 15 Russian oil refineries, knocking out 40% of Russia’s main oil refining capacity.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The same goes for people with a condition called gastroparesis, which affects stomach nerves and muscles, and those susceptible to medullary thyroid cancer.
    Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026
  • Weight loss on its own can change muscle, bone and more.
    Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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