muscle 1 of 2

noun

ˈmə-səl How to pronounce muscle (audio)
Definition of musclenext
1
as in power
muscular strength I'm going to need someone with real muscle to help me move all this furniture

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strength
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task at the time the military lacked the muscle to fight two wars at once

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

muscle

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to force
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure he was muscled out of command by his opponents at military headquarters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to push
to force one's way muscling straight through the packed crowd of people waiting to board the ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 muscle
Noun
Symptoms include tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, balance issues and muscle cramps. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026 In addition to thirst, dehydration can cause headaches, low energy, muscle cramps and dizziness. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026
Verb
The streaks abruptly ended when De Ketelaere muscled past Cubarsí and headed home a cross from Timothy Castagne for Belgium’s tying goal. — ABC News, 10 July 2026 Vance also appears willing to muscle Israel into accepting whatever outcome the Iran talks deliver. — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for muscle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muscle
  1. power
  2. strength
  3. force
  4. push
  5. beef
  6. energy
  7. coerce
  8. squeeze
Noun
  • The study provides two examples of Paramount using its market power in order to try and change the tax incentive structure in its favor.
    — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • In recent weeks, Perez has heated up at the plate and started to showcase the raw power he is known for.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • According to Karim Gharbi, Extension Agent for Horticulture with CSU Extension in Denver County, the beetles' strength comes from overwhelming trees in massive numbers.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • More than 40 weekly fitness experiences invite guests to move with intention, from sunrise yoga and Pilates sessions to high-energy strength and conditioning classes led by expert instructors.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
Definition of strength
Verb
  • The new 5th Congressional District boundaries were designed to ease a path for Republicans to force out Cleaver, who has represented Kansas City in Congress since 2005.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • If every delay feels like a threat, pause before forcing the next move.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
Definition of force
Verb
  • The research firm added that while CXMT's technology still lags global memory leaders, domestic internet giants spearheading AI development will likely drive robust adoption of its chips as Beijing pushes for semiconductor self-sufficiency.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • And this episode feels like the power dynamics are really pushing and grating against each other within Ormund and Daeron’s relationship.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026
Definition of push
Noun
  • The studies looked at everything from chips and salsa to beef chili and chicken tikka masala.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • Our beef tenderloin was tender indeed, served with boniato - Japanese sweet potato - and miso butter.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of beef
Noun
  • These include rising bond yields, recent hawkish speeches, three July dissents from Fed policymakers and energy pricing remaining generally elevated.
    — Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Over the first half of the year, the British energy major saw its profits balloon 70% compared with the year before.
    — Salma Arafa, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of energy
Verb
  • Federal prosecutors said the recruitment system helped Epstein abuse hundreds of victims over decades, while some recruiters later said they had themselves been manipulated, exploited or coerced by Epstein into participating.
    — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Some innocents are coerced into false confessions, like what happened to the Central Park Five.
    — Rene Denfeld, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Definition of coerce
Verb
  • Yet despite their clear burnout, most can’t afford to simply quit; not with the cost of living squeezing every paycheck, AI already closing in on entry-level roles, and one of the toughest job markets in years waiting on the other side.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • As a result, in 2015-16, regulators delayed the crab season for months, ultimately squeezing the typical seven months down to roughly two.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of squeeze

Browse Nearby Words

murrains
muscle
muscle-bound
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Cite this Entry

“Muscle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muscle. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on muscle

Nglish: Translation of muscle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about muscle

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