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 White warmly greeted the controversial Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan, at an event in Las Vegas for Power Slap—another combat-sports offering, founded by White in 2022, involving one person striking their defenseless opponent with all their might. Sean Gregory, Time, 26 May 2026 The sports ticket market generally doesn’t reward procrastination but this one might. Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026 Sarandos, for his part, seems focused on framing Netflix as the great global power player in entertainment, with some economic and cultural might to back that up. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026 Putin, in power for more than a quarter-century, has used Victory Day, Russia's most important secular holiday, to showcase the country's military might and rally support for his military action in Ukraine, now in its fifth year. CBS News, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • The low-wing, single-engine turboprop plane was not able to make it to full power, according to officials with the Bates County Emergency Management Agency.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026
  • The sweeping changes will reflect Britain’s values, helping to protect children online while pushing back against the power of big technology companies, Starmer told a press conference.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • That’s one of our city’s greatest strengths.
    Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • It was intended to bolster Americans’ morale, show off their combat strength in World War I, and evoke a fighting spirit.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Liu said the network will eventually be opened to sectors including industrial manufacturing, energy, power, and the low-altitude economy.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025
  • Consolidating its advantage in frontier AI will require solving the energy bottlenecks that currently constrain compute capacity.
    Eric Schmidt, Time, 11 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Once a specialized capability, AI is now being seamlessly integrated into systems and embedded in nearly every domain.
    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
  • Magnesium supports other aspects of health, such as blood sugar, muscle and nerve function, bone health, and energy production.
    Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Layering sheets of muscle and fat cells could reproduce the marbling and texture of real meat, a challenge that has long held back the sector.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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