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 They’re rooted in a time and place that feels all too real, and this allows the monsters to parade their primitive might in a way that means something. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026 Each spatula has a stainless steel core underneath the silicone, which keeps it from bending or snapping the way a plastic one might, and is both dishwasher-safe and stain-resistant. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026 Like many who were detained only to be released, Cazares needed a combination of luck and legal might. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026 China, despite its growing economy, still lagged far behind the United States in geopolitical influence and military might. — Michael E. Neagle, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • Ukrainians are bracing for the bitterly cold months ahead as the recent escalation in Russian attacks targets the power grid to deny civilians heat, light and running water.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Simply put, to stay economically competitive, America needs computing power that matches or beats its adversaries’.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The event’s jaw-dropping radiance stunned astronomers, who think that a GRB of this strength strikes Earth only once every 10,000 years.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Most leadership culture pushes people to catalog strengths, build on advantages, project confidence.
    — Flavio Maluf, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The American consumer, who accounts for about 70% of GDP, continues to buy stuff, but many are stressed by energy prices, wage stagnation, rising interest rates, and an affordability crisis in everything from health care to housing.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Possible targets of the strikes reportedly include Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenal.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Each ship comes with 16 missile launch cells, a Lockheed Martin SPY-7 radar, an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter, and other cutting-edge missile defense capabilities.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Nevertheless, for investors willing to develop that capability, international sourcing can create access to businesses that domestic-only buyers overlook.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The additional site will further strengthen the company’s manufacturing network in Colorado and provide additional capacity for its growing space and sensor systems business.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The massive 5,942-lb (2,695 kg) weight is somewhat disguised by a system that swaps traditional mechanical anti-roll bars for triple-stage adjustable air springs linked to a high-capacity central hydraulic pressure reservoir.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The intention of peptide users is to have the muscle-building effects of anabolic steroids without the side effects of infertility, oily skin, acne, liver inflammation, and so on.
    — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Hip dysplasia and muscle atrophy can also prevent animals from completing training.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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