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 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 But without legislative might, the lawmakers' options to go further are dwindling. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • Whatever ailed this World Cup, the beautiful game was waiting with its healing powers.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • While there is undeniable star power, and an unerring ability to get the job done, England will have opportunities to make a mark of their own.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • But the strength of the rotation also depends on the conflict in the Middle East remaining contained.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • But its ability to tolerate discomfort is its strength, particularly through its most original figure—Dahl’s friend and publisher Tom Maschler, deftly portrayed by Elliot Levey.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • That raised concerns that the region could tip back into a war that would engulf several countries and could halt energy shipments through the strait that are crucial for the global economy.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Things also remain precarious in the Strait of Hormuz – and experts say the latest attacks likely won’t remove Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in one of the world’s most important energy arteries.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • The Red Sox continue to find ways to win without Willson Contreras — who is serving a five-game suspension — and with a roster full of Triple-A and utility players filling roles and playing to their capabilities.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Exact charge times are still a bit variable, with McMurtry citing anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to go from 20% to 95%, depending on the ambient temperature and the capability of the charger.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • In June, Oceanside’s City Council voted unanimously to exempt multiple sites from the law and deferred others from high-density zoning until 2032, relying on carve-outs for areas with existing housing capacity, lack of walking paths and more.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • The event hit its 25,000 capacity earlier in the day, a first and last for the free festival.
    Zuri Primos July 12, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • Mozeliak said the Angels should not consider a trade proposal in isolation, without considering how to flex their major-market muscles to fill whatever hole a trade might create.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Livano Comenencia’s equalizer and Dick Advocaat’s emotional reaction were great but this was a muscle flex if there ever was one.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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