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

Examples of strength in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These storms, depending on their strength, can interfere with radio waves and cause power outages. John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 12 Oct. 2024 These Humans — some drawn from famous artwork, including Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights — represent sin and excess in its many forms and feed on people’s anxieties to gain strength. Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2024 She was asked how the team found the strength to win in overtime despite the hectic travel schedule after the semifinal win a few days ago. Jacob Lev, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024 In the aftermath of the storm, which was exiting the state near Cape Canaveral at Category 1 strength, neighborhoods were flooded, homes destroyed and the roof of Tropicana Field torn off. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for strength 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strength.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near strength

Cite this Entry

“Strength.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strength. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on strength

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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