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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • Since Chinese leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, many aspects of personal life for members of the Communist Party or the state sector, from divorce to travel and social activities, have come under increasing scrutiny.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The genius villain is telepathic and has several powers, including superhuman strength, telekinesis, energy projection, shapeshifting and teleportation.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Loss of muscle strength, medication side effects, neurological conditions, and changes in vision or balance can all affect gait.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Guest judge Willy Chavarria praises how Jeffrey’s outfit moved (my favorite thing about it), but the strength of Naheim’s tromp l’oeil effect snags him the win, immunity for the next challenge, and $20,000 from Viva.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Many agree that the surge in data centers, not Illinois clean energy law, is the primary cause of skyrocketing power prices across power grid operator PJM’s 13-state footprint.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Defensiveness extends conversations, weakens credibility and drains emotional energy that could have been directed toward solving problems.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang said NCSIST had already verified jamming capabilities for the newer frequency and would introduce them through future upgrades.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Final Thoughts The Qidi Max 4 feels like a machine designed for people who care more about capability, material flexibility, and printing large, functional parts than chasing a perfectly polished consumer-appliance experience.
    Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The 74,000-capacity Principality Stadium (formerly known as the Millennium Stadium) hosted this fixture six times between 2001 and 2006 during Wembley’s renovation works.
    Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • For families AutoCamp makes for a fun family adventure, even if the Airstreams feel a bit snug at capacity.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The former Villarreal forward was given a starting role, with Espi benched and then suffering a muscle injury that kept him out for four games across November and December.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Heverin was diagnosed with ataxia, a neurological condition affecting coordination and muscle movement, the BBC reported.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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