plural strengths ˈstreŋ(k)ths How to pronounce strength (audio)
ˈstren(t)ths,
ˈstreŋks
1
: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance
2
: power to resist force : solidity, toughness
3
: power of resisting attack : impregnability
4
a
: legal, logical, or moral force
b
: a strong attribute or inherent asset
the strengths and the weaknesses of the book are evident
5
a
: degree of potency of effect or of concentration
chili peppers in varying strengths
b
: intensity of light, color, sound, or odor
c
: vigor of expression
6
: force as measured in numbers : effective numbers of any body or organization
an army at full strength
7
: one regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness : support
you are my love and my strength
8
: maintenance of or a rising tendency in a price level : firmness of prices
the strength of the dollar
9
: basis
used in the phrase on the strength of
Phrases
from strength to strength
: vigorously forward : from one high point to the next
Choose the Right Synonym for strength

power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort.

power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

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

might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

Examples of strength in a Sentence

I was impressed by his strength. She's doing exercises to build up the strength in her legs. Don't work too hard. You need to conserve your strength for tomorrow. Pull-ups increase upper body strength. Working on a farm requires a lot of physical strength. the strength and durability of the material I pray that I'll have the strength to do what I have to do. His determination shows real strength of character. Her inner strength is an inspiration to us all.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Her strength is not just in her ability to fight, but in her refusal to disappear. Tiffany Leigh, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Still, her look of the day was pretty ab-baring, and Gentry showed some serious core strength for it, despite her penchant for relaxing. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025 Once Gottfried is sworn in, the two parties will have even strength on most committees, with co-chairs who will take turns holding the gavel, except for an oversight committee that Republicans will control to investigate fraud in government programs. Steve Karnowski, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025 Other studies, though small, also suggest that collagen can help alleviate joint pain and support nail strength. Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strength

Word History

Etymology

Middle English strengthe, from Old English strengthu; akin to Old High German strengi strong — more at strong

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strength was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strength. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

strength

noun
1
: the quality or state of being strong
2
: power to resist force
3
: power to resist attack
4
a
: the power to have an effect
b
: degree of concentration
the strength of a liquid cleaner
c
: intensity of light, color, sound, or odor
5
: a strong quality
list the strengths and weaknesses of the book
6
: force as measured in numbers
army at full strength
7
: something or someone providing force or firmness : support entry 2
her family was her strength

Medical Definition

1
: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance
2
: degree of potency of effect or of concentration
3
: degree of ionization of a solution
used of acids and bases

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