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 Her words project a mix of quiet determination and strength in a way that’s unusual for Israel, where public figures rarely show vulnerability. Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 In analyzing Charlotte’s guard-heavy roster, many pundits externally don’t view the Hornets’ frontline as a strength. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Oct. 2025 That gave me strength because the work of trying to break through and communicate with my mom is really too heavy of a burden for me. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025 Among the new movie’s strengths is its use of the Golden State as a canvas, a move that provides Anderson with stunning political and natural geographies to explore. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strength
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strength
Noun
  • Hanke relates that it was riddled with loopholes that handed the Banco Central de la República Argentina discretionary monetary powers.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Look no further than fuel costs over the last month to demonstrate the stability in the market.
    washinton examiner staff, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2025
  • For a company that has prided itself on organizational stability throughout Cook’s tenure, the simultaneous departure of multiple senior executives marks a significant shift.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continually uplifted others.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025
  • But sure enough, the artist born Frederick John Philip Gibson enlisted Amy Taylor and company for his drum n’ bass-inflected latest single, harnessing the group’s energy and then exploding it with Gesaffelstein-like sirens and typically all-over-the-place vocal triggers.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Schwinn Elm and Koen is a favorite of mine for its sturdiness, adjustability, and ergonomic design.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Edgerton’s performance style has always tended toward sturdiness, which has often drawn charges of being stiff or dull.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • His muscles will be worn to the fiber, asked to consistently chase and brake and crowd some of the league’s best perimeter players.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • And this inflatable water mat makes tummy time a blast, while helping little ones develop better balance and stronger core muscles.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If Okoro plays his cards right (and follows through on his jumper), Josh Giddey should improve his reliability as an offensive player.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The new method could improve the safety and reliability of future nuclear reactors.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strength.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strength. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on strength

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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