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 The 43 ships were followed by a display of aerial might with a stealth bomber and the Navy’s Blue Angels. Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 Thanks to one impossibly cocky fighter pilot named Maverick, Reagan-era America never felt better about itself — or its military might. Kevin P. Sullivan, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026 Elsewhere, multiple senior bankers at Western lenders argued that the continent’s fragmented financial markets undermined its financial might, at a cost to European startups in the tech and energy sectors that were consequently unable to compete for financing to the extent of US counterparts. Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 25 June 2026 The election will offer some measure of the political might of the two AI industry factions. ABC News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • Xi came to power after the 2008 protests in Tibet and deadly unrest in Xinjiang, another frontier region of modern China where ethnic minorities have long chafed under Beijing’s rule and witnessed a huge security crackdown.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Ultimately, both sides are jockeying for power after the war, given the unusual uncertainty brought on by the change in the supreme leadership.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • According to Karim Gharbi, Extension Agent for Horticulture with CSU Extension in Denver County, the beetles' strength comes from overwhelming trees in massive numbers.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • More than 40 weekly fitness experiences invite guests to move with intention, from sunrise yoga and Pilates sessions to high-energy strength and conditioning classes led by expert instructors.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • These include rising bond yields, recent hawkish speeches, three July dissents from Fed policymakers and energy pricing remaining generally elevated.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Over the first half of the year, the British energy major saw its profits balloon 70% compared with the year before.
    Salma Arafa, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Forterra provides the autonomous capabilities that enable distributed, mission-aware, and resilient military operations in contested environments.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Wood compared the role of pricing in cloud computing to a restaurant; low costs were the initial draw, but the capabilities that kept customers coming back were the real value.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Following the consolidation, the production capacity for Inpro’s shower curtains, cubicle curtains and roller shades was expected to increase, the company’s 2024 statement said.
    Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The 15 regular-season games for each club and the playoffs will be held at Springfield’s Robin Roberts Stadium, a historic ballpark that has a seating capacity of 5,200 and opened in 1925.
    Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • These workouts can reduce stress, improve sleep, strengthen your heart and muscles and provide a low-impact workout for nearly every stage of life.
    Patricia Neligan, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • And the potassium content in strawberries helps support healthy blood pressure levels and proper muscle function.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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