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 There is financial might that can be brought to bear in the service of accumulating futures — and out-accumulating 31 other NHL teams — during an era of cap growth. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026 Periodically, the group returns to such a state of paradoxical lifelessness, dragged by a partner or semi-mechanically traversing the stage as an automaton might. Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 Impressed by this demonstration of America’s manufacturing might, Duchamp took one back to his studio, inscribed it, and hung from the ceiling. Howard Halle, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026 But California’s high prices have remained a grim fact of life, especially for young people struggling to enter the housing market, despite the draw of enjoying the Golden State’s many attributes such as its natural beauty, powerful economic might and culture of innovation. Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • The Stars’ 71 power-play goals ranked first in the NHL in 2025-26, and Johnston’s 27 were the second-most in a single season since the 2004-05 lockout.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • They're driven very much by power, domination, control.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Simpson doesn’t have the arm strength or size (6-foot-1, 210 pounds) of many top NFL quarterbacks, but the Rams apparently loved his technique and decision-making under pressure.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Just being able to be available every single day and also just bring energy and be a good clubhouse guy.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The ambiance and energy were incredible.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But overall, humanoid robots still have a long way to go in demonstrating their capability to operate in complex and sometimes chaotic environments.
    Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Fang Qian, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of its GPS program, said this satellite will feature anti-jam capability that’s eight times stronger and three times more accurate than the legacy spacecraft on orbit today.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And, despite exponential growth in capacity, the average hard drive’s life span remains just under seven years.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The trucking company believes the industry is experiencing a fundamental shift on the supply side of the market as capacity dwindles further and pricing dynamics improve.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The physicality ramped up early in the second period when the B’s fourth line flexed their muscle and cracked Lyon.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The AeroPilates Reformer helps tone muscles, improve flexibility and boost cardio health with customizable intensity for full-body workouts.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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