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 Tactics to combat drug traffickers required military leaders exercising might, not lawyers telling generals what to do, according to Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026 Hegseth frequently invokes his evangelical faith as head of the armed forces, depicting a Christian nation trying to vanquish its foes with military might. Tiffany Stanley, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 The Philadelphia shipyard, now owned by Hanwha, was once a symbol of American might and innovation. Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026 Tyler Wade had a strong camp and finished second teamwide in total hits, but Duran’s surge might’ve knocked the 31-year-old down a rung. Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • But after economic crises, Orbán came to power by promising prosperity to the rich and poor alike, said Gábor Scheiring, a former Hungarian lawmaker now teaching at Georgetown University in Qatar.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Pelé scored an unforgettable goal that day on a free kick from 35 yards out, struck with so much power that the follow-through lifted him up into the air.
    John Meyer, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But Food Lion is winning budget-conscious shoppers with its value and private label strength, Lempert said.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • This era of college basketball — the NIL and portal combination — has either robbed Self of his greatest strength or at least sneaked a few pennies from the community tray.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Your natural warmth should return after a short recharge, giving you the energy to handle any ongoing matters.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Daisie, 14, full of laughter and positive energy, is a one-of-a-kind personality.
    The Star April 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But these tools frequently oversimplify human capability and fail to capture actual potential.
    Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2026
  • About four years ago, China built its own sophisticated space station, called Tiangong, a dramatic demonstration of its human spaceflight capability.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The core of Pauley’s lawsuit centers on City Auditor Marc Shaw, who served in an interim capacity before being appointed to the permanent role last month.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Brown pointed to ongoing concerns in his district about road capacity and infrastructure needs, including efforts to expand NC 160 in the fast-growing Steele Creek area.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jiefeng Sun, PhD, an assistant professor at ASU, and co-author of the study, noted the muscles could be used across agriculture, industry, healthcare, home tasks and even future space missions.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The most common adverse events were falls and muscle weakness, which overlap with ALS symptoms.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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