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 Adding to this good fortune is that, since the end of World War II, the United States has possessed a powerful nuclear arsenal and unparalleled military, economic, and technological might. Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026 All this might or might not be pure hallucination, another admits. Robert Rubsam, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026 The manufacturing and exporting might of China and the artificial intelligence revolution are heightening concerns of France being left behind economically and technologically. ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Still, the polling underscores unions’ growing political might, as candidates from both parties compete for their leaders’ and members’ backing. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • But The Debut grows to become something altogether wilder, a fire-breathing encomium to the reality-altering power of acting.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Singapore is leveraging its scarce land, energy, and population to bolster its regulatory and agenda-setting power over data centers and sustainability.
    Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But the country's key stock benchmarks are struggling to reflect that strength, hinting at a festering disconnect between markets and the economy.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • She was invested in young women and keeping the door open for the next generation of leaders, and her advocacy was always about fighting for the strength, intelligence, and dignity of women everywhere.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Researchers in the United States are shaping the nanoscience frontier, using atomic‑scale control to accelerate advances in electronics, energy storage, catalysis, sensing and medicine.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Oil prices edged higher Thursday as worries over escalating tensions in the Middle East and their impact on energy supplies kept Brent crude above $100 a barrel.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Steve Russell, vice president and general manager of Edison Works at GE Aerospace, said accelerating this type of testing is important for developing next-gen capabilities.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Its powerful jumpstarting capabilities can revive vehicles with gas engines up to 6 liters and diesel engines up to 4 liters.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Talent flight across many ASEAN economies prevents them from developing the technocratic capacity needed for advanced technology and energy sectors.
    Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The festival, with a capacity of 80,000 people, also was hit with mud and rain in 2023 as many attendees were trapped on its grounds, where vehicle traffic was temporarily limited and some hiked in the mud to nearby towns.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That’s where cognition becomes impaired, muscle contraction becomes impaired, and metabolism actually slows.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • This might sound simple, but deep breathing delivers oxygen to our muscles, which helps elicit the body’s relaxation response.
    Juli Fraga, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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