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 Size will not decide this race for Sweden’s AI focus but ownership might. Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Forget about military might, imperialism, and portrayals of heroic feats, though. Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • The park still doesn’t have power, internet or phone lines after Lala swept by last week, and many of its employees are still recovering from the storm.
    Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The events have all had a Trumpian flair, featuring appearances from his friends and the aim of showcasing spectacle, Americana and power.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Highlighting the strength of the two countries’ ties, Russian state media has shown images of North Korean troops in training inside Russia over the past year, and Kim Jong Un opened a memorial to North Korea’s Ukraine dead in April.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Communities still recovering from last weekend’s hurricane in Hawaii could get pounded again in coming days from another tropical system gaining strength over warm Pacific waters.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Why people don’t like it Some residents are worried about how these sprawling energy farms will affect local soil, especially near farmland.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also a kids water park for the more rambunctious members of the family to get their energy out.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Industry leaders agree that AI capabilities have yet to fully translate to the frontline.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The available performance hardware and sport-oriented chassis tuning give it enough capability that the driver can have fun without feeling as though the vehicle is constantly at odds with that.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Grid access, cooling, computing capacity and facility design increasingly have to be planned as one system.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Despite having the world's greatest nuclear reactor capacity, since the 1970s the United States has operated in a comparatively retrograde state in terms of the industry.
    David Szondy August 22, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Grip strength, for example, is predictive of many different things, but it can be affected by arthritis, stroke or even simply not conditioning those muscles.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Courtesy of Fleet Feet Like any muscle, a healthy heart suffers damage and repairs itself each time it is stressed.
    Matt Moret, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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