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 His Chicago roots imply tenacity, strength and fearlessness. Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025 There is the beautiful proverb about the woman of strength (Proverbs 31:10-31), that is perhaps the most eloquent text on women in the Bible. Arkansas Online, 9 May 2025 This book is a powerful reflection on unconditional love and the incredible strength that comes from surrender and love. Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 9 May 2025 The future of education lies in combining the strengths of traditional academic practices with innovative technological solutions. Bruce Dahlgren, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strength
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strength
Noun
  • The way their dynamic is structured, Colin fears that one wrong move could bring things to an end, which merely reinforces Ray’s power over him.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • At the time of writing, some 50,000 were still without power in Missouri, according to PowerOutage.us, a service that tracks disruptions.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • In units where reliability is the most important, for example, consider keeping power centralized.
    Stephanie Dillon, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Newsom has said the tunnel project is vital to improving the reliability of water deliveries as climate change shrinks California’s snowpack and alters the timing of runoff.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Many of these actions have been part of the president’s larger goals of reining in government spending, increasing energy independence and restructuring federal agencies.
    Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
  • However neither a wether delay or a temporary evacuation could dampen the crowd's sky-high energy throughout the night.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Here, success isn’t about stability and predictability anymore.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Who needs cheaper shipping and global trade stability anyway?
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Heart failure weakens the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump enough blood and oxygen to the brain, Johanna Contreras, MD, director of heart failure at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, told Health. Conditions that occur alongside heart issues.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 May 2025
  • These symptoms last at least three months after the initial infection and range from muscle aches and joint pain to brain fog and fatigue.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strength.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strength. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on strength

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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