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 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 Elsewhere, multiple senior bankers at Western lenders argued that the continent’s fragmented financial markets undermined its financial might, at a cost to European startups in the tech and energy sectors that were consequently unable to compete for financing to the extent of US counterparts. Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 25 June 2026 The election will offer some measure of the political might of the two AI industry factions. ABC News, 23 June 2026 All of this was a source of ongoing friction; and the glue that held the USSR together, military might and communist ideology, had been crumbling for some time. Literary Hub, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • The study provides two examples of Paramount using its market power in order to try and change the tax incentive structure in its favor.
    Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • In recent weeks, Perez has heated up at the plate and started to showcase the raw power he is known for.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • But in recent years, women have used motherhood as a strength, returning to their careers faster — and oftentimes better.
    PJ Green July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The 6-foot-2, 326-pounder will add some size and strength to the Penn State defensive line this year.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • Launch safety, orbital debris, broadband access, AI model conduct, content moderation, data use and energy consumption belong to different industry materiality maps.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Even so, the impact she’s already made with her experience, energy and depth has been evident.
    Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Amazon and Anthropic are the absences that matter, because both sell frontier AI capability and both have a direct stake in how this is decided.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • That provoked a campaign of US strikes early in 2025, which degraded their capabilities.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • The state said only areas that have projects that add capacity to a road or significantly change a road qualify for sound barriers.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026
  • An economic indicator like median wages does not capture the capacity of family budgets to accommodate additional price hikes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • These workouts can reduce stress, improve sleep, strengthen your heart and muscles and provide a low-impact workout for nearly every stage of life.
    Patricia Neligan, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • And the potassium content in strawberries helps support healthy blood pressure levels and proper muscle function.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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