might

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun might contrast with its synonyms?

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

the belief that might makes right

When is energy a more appropriate choice than might?

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

a worker with boundless energy

Where would force be a reasonable alternative to might?

The synonyms force and might are sometimes interchangeable, but force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

When would power be a good substitute for might?

The words power and might are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

When could strength be used to replace might?

The meanings of strength and might largely overlap; however, 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

Examples 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 might High-altitude rivalry The blurry boundaries through the Himalayan peaks and plateaus separating China and its southern neighbors are often relics of imperial era agreements and nomadic routes – now charged with the nationalist rhetoric and military might of New Delhi and Beijing. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 As a result, his work awakened readers to the role played by class conflict, racial injustice, gender inequality and imperial might in a country whose history has traditionally been framed as a victory march. Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 No one is making money yet, not even Waymo, with all the might and resources of Alphabet at its back. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2024 Check your drinking water: The EPA does not require routine monitoring of drinking water, but your state might. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for might 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • Education and community engagement appear to be two areas of unique strength for Shelley, who even in a brief interview spoke passionately and persuasively about the power of music.
    Samantha Dunn, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Instead of driving China and North Korea apart, Washington should try to capitalize on Beijing’s power over Pyongyang by urging China to clearly communicate two redlines to its partner.
    Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Each region has its strengths and specialties, which supports a diverse economy.
    Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Previous research has suggested that youth who are categorized as obese tend to have lower muscle strength than those considered normal weight.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Perhaps that’s why Sedona attracts such a strong enclave of New Age spiritual devotees searching for metaphysical energy in the vortexes allegedly sprinkled throughout its buttes and spires.
    Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
  • The sea continues to be the source of several profitable opportunities, including tourism and energy.
    Devika Rao, theweek, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The team is currently working on creating an improved coating that can reduce FOG deposits in sewers by enhancing both its self-healing capabilities and mechanical strength.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
  • The new upload capabilities are available on Generative AI by Getty Images and Generative AI by iStock.
    Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Many of us in business recognize the capacity of AI to enhance our work, boost our productivity and drive us to new heights of innovation.
    Vidya Plainfield, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Palace Theatre, for reference, has a capacity of just over 1,600.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • These include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and aching muscles.
    Aliss Higham, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Supplementing with taurine may also help support exercise recovery through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, protecting against muscle damage and reducing soreness after intense activity.
    Jillian Kubala, RD, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near might

Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on might

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!