Synonyms of might

might

noun

as in power

the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task

currently the President lacks the political might to push the programs through the Congress

Synonyms & Similar Words

• power
• strength
• energy
• capability
• capacity
• muscle
• force
• vigor
• potency
• horsepower
• firepower
• competence
• potence
• aptitude
• puissance
• sinew
• competency
• usefulness
• effectiveness
• adequacy
• effectualness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inability
• weakness
• impotence
• disability
• powerlessness
• incapacity
• impotency
• incapability
• incompetence
• inaptitude
• incompetency
• ineffectiveness
• uselessness
• paralysis
• inefficacy
• incapableness
• helplessness
• ineffectuality
• ineffectualness
• inefficaciousness

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

Recent Examples of might

China, despite its growing economy, still lagged far behind the United States in geopolitical influence and military might. — Michael E. Neagle, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026

Many historians blasted the report as cherry picking instances in a complex that features a central display of the Star Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat and a wing devoted to the United States’ industrial might. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

Adding to this good fortune is that, since the end of World War II, the United States has possessed a powerful nuclear arsenal and unparalleled military, economic, and technological might. — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026

All this might or might not be pure hallucination, another admits. — Robert Rubsam, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing might

• with might and main