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 If a juror had asked such questions of a witness, they would likely have been kicked off the jury and a mistrial might’ve been declared. ProPublica, 14 July 2026 On Monday, the Chinese navy test-fired a ballistic missile into the Pacific, a move expected to push countries in the region to deepen defense ties with one another amid China's growing military might. Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 10 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • His brand shone as a symbol of national pride and soft power.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Damianos also hailed the entry of French investment company Meridiam as a backer to the Great Seas Interconnector project, an electricity cable that will connect Europe’s power grid with that of Cyprus and eventually Israel.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For now, though, Denver appears focused on preserving Bo Nix’s favorite target for a full-strength playoff run.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Jacas, whose reps have steadily increased over the week, has by no means dominated for even a stretch of practice, but flashes of excellent upper-body strength and burst off the line are there.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Scientists are curious about the sun's inner workings to better track massive bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections that can hurl toward Earth.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Saudi energy infrastructure has been the target of Iranian attacks, and the uncertainty over the status of the Strait of Hormuz has had a dramatic effect on the movement – and price – of oil drilled in the Middle East.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The anniversary coincided with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ’s government revising the country's defense policy to further bolster the military's offensive capability.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Each sides’ offensive capabilities now appear to be outstripping their air defenses, analysts say.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That means investing in domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthening supply chains for critical components and accelerating the deployment of American robotics across industry.
    Ariyan Kabir, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • While Blanche has already been leading the department in an acting capacity, his confirmation could free him to pursue the administration’s agenda even more aggressively.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This helps to build functional core strength rather than just targeting a single muscle group.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The bed is also constructed with pressure-relieving orthopedic foam intended to help support joints and muscles.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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