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 Kennedy could have emphasized, like his predecessors, that peace was only possible through military might. Abigail R. Hall, Oc Register, 8 June 2026 The vitality of her language, its frolicsome dance with personification, communicates its own resistance in the face of an indifferent world, exploited by imperialist greed and barbaric, militant might. Rachel Vorona Cote, Vulture, 2 June 2026 But the financial might of the Premier League club compared with that of virtually every other club in the competition said otherwise. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026 The historical drama centers on the agonizing boardroom debate over when to launch D-Day, that critical WWII gamechanger that saw Allies flexing their might in Europe and delivering a huge blow to the Nazis. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • To put these figures in perspective, the entire city of San Francisco consumes about 1 gigawatt of power.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • The Hermosa Beach Pier closed Sunday morning after a truck collided with nearby power lines.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • These moves seek to address the brain drain of top technical talent following the invasion of Ukraine by playing to a traditional Russian strength—upskilling members of a population of some 140 million people, which has historically seen success in the mathematical sciences.
    Nikita Ostrovsky, Time, 18 June 2026
  • Nearly 30 years later, and some 52 years after the country’s first World Cup appearance in West Germany, Haiti’s players must summon that same strength.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Creative energy simmers beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to be expressed.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • The measures would open sectors such as banking, energy, and real estate development to private capital and foreign companies.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • This combination of technological capability and human ingenuity is incredibly powerful.
    Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
  • By pairing decades of experience with advanced technologies and open architecture systems, Lockheed Martin is helping create defense capabilities that can adapt, improve, and deploy with speed.
    Paid Content by Lockheed Martin, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Despite the current crisis, our institutions of higher education remain strong and will survive, if even in a diminished capacity for the years ahead.
    Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
  • While most polar expedition ships carry up to 200 guests—or sometimes even more—Ocean Explorer tops out at 138 passengers, though even at max capacity, its spacious, airy interiors provide plenty of room for all to spread out.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Sprinting entails pushing off with your feet and abruptly activating your calf muscles.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Symptoms include muscle cramps, extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration.
    Dorany Pineda, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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