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 Elie 12 definitely has enough might to get the party started. Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026 The trending barrel-back design supports you while enveloping you more than a square or rectangular design might. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026 Iran’s strategy widened the arena of conflict, thereby extending the conflict beyond mere military might and into the political and economic realms, with the aim of withstanding bombardment until the conflict becomes too costly for the belligerents to maintain. Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 Hegseth frequently invokes his evangelical faith as head of the armed forces, depicting a Christian nation trying to vanquish its foes with military might. Tiffany Stanley, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • The power of an orator who can, in this way, fuse feeling and doctrine is immense.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The American president's agenda has striking parallels with the way the Hungarian leader used the levers of government to tilt the media, judiciary and electoral system to keep his party in power for 16 years.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As his hands grow steady again, Levell hopes others living with Parkinson's find strength in their own journey.
    Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Among a raft of reforms Warsh has previously indicated he’d like to see at the central bank—advancing a bullish outlook on the productivity benefits of AI, the strength of which could provide the basis for an argument to begin a rate-cutting cycle.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday Ukraine is ready to mirror any ceasefire steps, having earlier proposed to Russia a pause in attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure over the Orthodox Easter holiday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Inflation ran hot in March as a result of higher energy costs tied to the Iran war, which has constrained the flow of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply.
    Brian Dakss, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Athena unites all these capabilities in a single, rugged, autonomous platform built for search and rescue.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Ruiz will spearhead the strategy and rollout of new products, technologies and capabilities under Nielsen’s measurement science arm, with a particular focus on driving innovation across Nielsen’s measurement solutions and enhancements for clients.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On January 27, 1973, the United States and the governments of North and South Vietnam signed the Paris Peace Accords, negotiated by Kissinger, in his capacity as Nixon’s national-security adviser, and the North Vietnamese diplomat Le Duc Tho.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Analysts also note that US minesweeping capacity alone is limited.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That feeling can present in many ways — rumination, a knot in your throat or your chest, an unease in your stomach, the tensing of muscles.
    Goth Shakira Contributing, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The mucus coughed into his hands, sometimes blood, both the reality of his lung muscles straining so much.
    Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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