might

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 And while a thriving creative scene might not be directly linked to a country’s GDP or military might, a focus on design can contribute to a high quality of life. Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2025 President Trump says the parade was to showcase the army's military might, even to inspire a new generation to sign up for military service. Nbc News, NBC news, 15 June 2025 Washington is gearing up for an extraordinary display of military might on Saturday with a parade and festival to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Army — a day that’s also President Trump’s 79th birthday. Miriam Waldvogel, The Hill, 14 June 2025 In this article: The News The View From Europe The View From The Middle East The View From China The View From Russia The News Global leaders urged restraint Friday after Israel launched a major string of strikes on Iran aimed at paralyzing the country’s nuclear and military might. Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025
  • Why Tacit Knowledge Often Isn't Shared Despite its power, tacit knowledge rarely flows freely.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • While the increasing trade deficit (exports minus imports) represents the strength of American buying power, the percentage of total trade that is an export (exports divided by total trade) represents billions in additional U.S. exports of soybeans, aircraft, medical devices and more.
    Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Every arrest and every seizure disrupts transnational criminal groups and reflects the strength of interagency collaboration.
    Mark Michalek, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Low energy is also frequently reported among folks with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—a disorder that causes hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and other symptoms like excessive hair growth and acne.
    Julia Ries, SELF, 23 June 2025
  • Any final decision to close the waterway rests with the country's national security council, and its possibility has raised the specter of higher energy prices and aggravated geopolitical tensions, with Washington calling upon Beijing to prevent the strait's closure.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • According to multiple reports, Iran’s nuclear program has advanced dangerously close to weapons-grade capability, rapidly narrowing the window to prevent a nuclear-armed regime from becoming a reality.
    Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
  • Certainly their general partners, Russia and China, have immense cyber capability.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Braun will stick around in an executive advisory capacity, serving as director of the board and senior advisor to HYBE chairman/CEO Bang Si-Hyuk.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
  • However, with Venus retrograde moving from Aries to Pisces on the 27th, you may be forced to acknowledge what’s outside of your capacity.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • On May 23, in a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park the 31-year-old two-time All-Star suffered a strained right quadriceps muscle, and has been on the injured list ever since.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • It was first approved to ease muscle spasticity for people with multiple sclerosis in Canada in 2005 and has since been approved in more than 20 other countries globally.
    Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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