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 Fisher views Thursday’s game as a full-circle moment to Indiana’s victory over UCLA at the Rose Bowl a season ago – proof of Big Ten might and the precursor to the dominating journey to College Football Playoff favorites in 2025. Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 31 Dec. 2025 China has leveraged its economic might to pressure rebel groups that hold territory along its border, closing the land crossings through which trade and people flow. Ross Adkin, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025 Its economy and military paled in comparison with the United States’s industrial might, blue-water navy, and network of overseas bases. Caleb Pomeroy, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2025 Saleh suggested Egypt’s military might and power and influence in the MENA region had scared other territories off from hosting the film. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • The experience also reinforced Madsen’s belief in the power of social media.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Mophie's power bank has the functionality of a wireless MagSafe connection, with the convenience of a stand.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Because confinement of the plasma in a stellarator is driven solely by the external magnets, modifying the shape and strength of the fields has a major impact on performance.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Celebrini’s assist on Regenda’s goal gives him 71 points, including 50 even-strength points, in 46 games this season.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • When the weather turns chilly, plants naturally enter a state of dormancy and draw energy down from their leaves and stems into their roots, which helps plants survive the cold without damage.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Rheinmetall’s new technology is key for the energy transition in the field of hydrogen production.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Since the world model is built around video understanding, advances in video AI directly translate into better robotic capabilities.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Wei held a security clearance that gave him access to sensitive national security defense information about the ship's operations and capabilities.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Jeff Brady, executive director of communications for the district, said Tiger Team Two met at least once a month from September to December to discuss and evaluate school enrollment, the capacity and upkeep and condition of each campus, finances and boundaries for each school.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
  • An inflation report on Tuesday is set to provide a key gauge of the nation’s economy, just days after reports of a Department of Justice probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell brought fresh scrutiny to the independence of the central bank and its capacity to manage price increases.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Working against this resistance is what will help build your muscles.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The additional instrumentation accentuates the mood as much as adding muscle.
    Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on might

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!