might

noun

Definition of mightnext
as in power
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task currently the President lacks the political might to push the programs through the Congress

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 might As the Trump administration continues to pursue a deal to end the war in Ukraine — one that may end up being more favorable to Moscow than Kyiv — Europeans, for the first time in decades, are focusing on their own military might. —Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025 Standing in the cavernous factory, with the aft section of a submarine towering above him, Mr. Starmer expressed pride in this statement of British might. —Mark Landler, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025 But Europeans know that this is their moment to cut the security cord with America and revive their own might. —David Brooks, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025 Europeans know that this is their moment to cut the security cord with America and revive their own might. —Steve Denning, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for might
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
  1. power
  2. strength
  3. energy
  4. capability
  5. capacity
  6. muscle
Noun
  • Everybody else has no choice, really, other than to bring a cruel, narcissistic far-right leader to power.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Intake leverages the power of Ivalua’s gen AI and low code/no code configuration to automate and orchestrate processes across any system.
    — Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of power
Noun
  • So, in a different situation our strengths might be perceived as problematic.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Dwyer has the speed to take the top off of defenses, but his hand strength has also been impressive.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of strength
Noun
  • Alexander Smirnov was sentenced to six years in prison in January after pleading guilty to lying to his FBI handler about the Biden family's ties to a Ukrainian energy company -- in addition to a series of unrelated tax fraud charges.
    — Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Wade scored 157 points over the last four games, all Heat wins, and turned in a damn-near-perfect performance in the elimination game, playing with relentless energy on both sides of the ball.
    — D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of energy
Noun
  • Plugging in a power strip with surge protection capabilities is an easy way to protect your electronics from these harmful surges.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The drills focused on practicing assaults on maritime and ground targets, and blockades of key areas and sea lanes to test the joint operation capabilities of its troops, Senior Colonel Shi Yi said in a statement released by the People’s Liberation Army.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of capability
Noun
  • Effective leaders are set apart from the others by their capacity to act rather than freeze.
    — Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Maximum payload capacity is eight pounds, and payloads can be delivered up to about 10 miles away.
    — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS causes loss of muscle control and there is currently no cure for this disease.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Eating cottage cheese before bed helps stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which can help support a healthy metabolism.
    — Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of muscle

Phrases Containing might

Browse Nearby Words

miffs
might
mightily
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Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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