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 This region of a neutron star is, for all intents and purposes, a single macroscopic atomic nucleus, bound together not by the strong nuclear force but by sheer gravitational might. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2025 The mishap likely occurred in front of a large crowd at the northeastern port of Chongjin, increasing the public humiliation for Kim who tried to show off military might, experts say. Reuters, USA Today, 25 May 2025 Needleman’s notion of might is not so different from Trump’s. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025 The deal has been controversial since it was first announced in December 2023, with both sides of the political aisle opposing foreign control of a once-key component of US industrial might that has fallen on hard times. Kit Maher, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • While the Marines are expected to avoid direct engagement with demonstrators, the symbolism of active-duty troops patrolling the streets of Los Angeles has reignited deep political tensions and legal debates over the limits of federal power.
    Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2025
  • Money becomes power, and without clinical oversight, that power enables harmful behaviors.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Rather than demanding Arab and Muslim partners choose sides, Trump understands that a prosperous Gulf can engage from strength.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 4 June 2025
  • Harnessing a diversity of strengths, skills and knowledge lies at the heart of effective change management.
    Kelly Leonard, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • With the cover and details, Karol is highlighting the tropical energy of her roots — a perfect vibe for summer, and the singer knows it.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2025
  • From turning her songs into sing-a-longs to taking a singing selfie video on a fan’s phone, the energy in the room reached another level.
    Evan Burke, Billboard, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • However, prior to their weekend, Smith's Venis launches a new iteration of an AI app he's developed that plunges the world into chaos, courtesy of its capability to produce highly realistic deepfake videos.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 31 May 2025
  • To address rising costs from tariffs, Bitmain VP Irene Gao said during the Antminer S23 launch that Bitmain is working to expand its manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
    Colin Harper, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Later, Stokes represented Bean as his personal lawyer when he was sued in his capacity as superintendent of the center in 2003. Valliant, appointed to his seat on the board by the county commissioners, has represented county commissioners as their lawyer.
    Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 7 June 2025
  • Samuels will be joining the cast in a supporting capacity.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Comcast has said Versant would have the financial muscle to buy other cable channels, and Global Networks could make a good fit, although there may be regulatory concerns that come from combining such a huge share of the market as well as Versant’s MSNBC with CNN, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • There are a few different delivery systems—IVs, subcutaneous injections, nasal sprays, and of course, the best NAD+ supplements—to help address everything from loss of muscle mass to brain fog, skin aging, and declining energy stores.
    Brianna Peters, Vogue, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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