might

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 The big names brought national attention to the theft ring, but other targets slipped by the news media, just as an ordinary burglary might. Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 25 Aug. 2025 But just as much as his role in the Ukraine war or the Middle East, his efforts at strongman diplomacy are another indication of the abrupt shift away from a postwar liberal world order in which institutions and international law—in theory if not practice—took precedence over pure might. Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 The surrounding wave paintings add emotional turbulence, invoking both the physical might and metaphysical vastness of the sea. Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 While the Neutrality Act restricted Roosevelt’s military might, forcing him to wait and watch as the war in Europe escalated, his wife faced no such moral dilemma. Doug Most august 20, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • He's been incredible with the Mets, and his power is almost impossible to replace.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The rallies aimed to demonstrate the power of the working class in cities including Boston, Chicago, Detroit and New York.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The strength of last year’s group was the secondary.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Plus, make sure to use weights that are appropriate for your current level of strength.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As the evening goes on, DJs take over the rooftop, giving the night a festival-like energy against the Fort Worth skyline.
    Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • According to sources at Valdebebas, the teenager has impressed with his energy, tireless running, constant offering for the ball and strong personality.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems with thermal imaging and infrared capability are in use and night-capable aircraft are available to support crews overnight if needed and as conditions permit.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Subsequently, Army units performed new equipment training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to prepare for potential employment of DE capabilities.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The restaurant has the option to use the lobby for seating, increasing its capacity.
    La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • It’s meant to be as small and unobtrusive as possible, while still offering 80% of the capacity of the company’s larger models like the Big+Quiet.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But there is really no reason why this should be the case for Pilates—which consists of different low-impact movements to strengthen your core muscles, increase your flexibility, improve your posture and give you more awareness of your body in general.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The first came after the Browns had their second muscle-flexing scoring drive of the day to take the lead.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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