Definition of strengthnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun strength contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strength are energy, force, might, and power. While all these words mean "the ability to exert effort," 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

When might energy be a better fit than strength?

While in some cases nearly identical to strength, energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

When can force be used instead of strength?

Although the words force and strength have much in common, force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

When is it sensible to use might instead of strength?

The words might and strength can be used in similar contexts, but might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

When could power be used to replace strength?

In some situations, the words power and strength are roughly equivalent. However, power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

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 strength The list goes on, but someone in that league might be questioning whether the strength-of-schedule boost the SEC got from booking a ninth conference game starting this season is worth all these losses piling up. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 Bringing those strengths together earlier and more deliberately could help turn promising research into solutions that protect our natural resources, strengthen our economy and create opportunities far beyond our region. — Steven Vollmer, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026 Locklin was up 22 percentage points in the Broward County portion of the district, which was added in this year’s redistricting, while Díaz-Balart relied on his strength in Miami-Dade to pull ahead by 22 points too. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026 Because Gardena came from the powerful Marine League and Westchester was in the Western League, an 0-10 record didn’t prevent them from being included based on strength of schedule. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strength
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strength
Noun
  • Jean Gilles Bernard Camille, a community organizer who lives in a gang stronghold in the capital, said foreign forces have repeatedly underestimated the capacity and power of Haitian gangs and their ability to adapt.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Georgy Tikhomirov, a nuclear physicist at Russia’s MEPhI university, said there is still too little operating experience to assess the actual cost of the electricity and power produced.
    — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But service reliability doesn’t happen by accident or by delaying projects and investments.
    — H. Russell Frisby, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Cadillac has also had plenty of reliability problems this year, usually with its front brakes overheating.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Later tonight, the Moon enters your sign and your energy shifts.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The growing cost of the war and its economic ripple effects on energy prices could hurt Republicans in next week's midterm elections.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For long-time tenant farmers like Landon and Shannon Barrier and their children, who produce non-GMO grain, hay and livestock across 2,000 regional acres, the Locust deal offers critical stability.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The tongue and collar are cushioned to offer better stability and comfort around your ankle, too.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The intention of peptide users is to have the muscle-building effects of anabolic steroids without the side effects of infertility, oily skin, acne, liver inflammation, and so on.
    — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Hip dysplasia and muscle atrophy can also prevent animals from completing training.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • If Crystal and Ellis had stayed on that tack — tales about the house at 860 bound together by a sense of its loss — 860 might have the sturdiness of a tearjerker.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Central bankers, in turn, may examine the jobs report for information on the sturdiness of the labor market.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strength.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strength. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster