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 But curbing the might of the tech giants is a challenge that will require governments to use new regulatory tactics. Forrester, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 Hollywood studios used their creative might to paint Sinclair as a threat to the California Dream. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 Much has been written about the sudden might of Chemena Kamali’s Chloé, and its abilities to transform nice, inoffensive celebrities into It girls: a clichéd term that magazines, like this one, have often used to describe famous but unknowable women who dress with moxie. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024 When challenged electorally, the whole might of the party gets deployed to kill away the competition. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for might 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • The power of PileMate in Sag Harbor is prominent, especially in wintertime.
    Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
  • In Koena’s view, China’s policy of non-interference speaks to how different powers operate in Africa, with China focusing on economics and Russia on security.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Over the past few years, the strength of the U.S. economy and the job market have surprised almost everyone.
    PAUL WISEMAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Feelings of despair and hopelessness prevail but there is also a vast amount of strength and a want to do something to help.
    Dana Feldman, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Then factor in your activity level (from sedentary to very active) to estimate your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE)—the calories needed to maintain your current weight.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Although Trump remains an advocate of U.S. energy dominance and independence, Alamariu expects this stance will help oil stocks more than oil prices.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, runway photography will also be taken on iPhones, as will close-ups using the telephoto capabilities.
    Lily Templeton, WWD, 19 Jan. 2025
  • As a result of these capabilities, VPNs are frequently used in attempts to get around digital geolocation restrictions, like those on Netflix or other streaming platforms.
    Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • And as the temperature of the air rises, so does its capacity to hold water.
    Samuel Granados, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Major Southern California reservoirs fed by delta water were near capacity and above historical levels before the fires broke out.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This is caused by a muscle that runs from the pelvis to the outside of your lower leg being tight and rubbing on the bone on the outside of your hip.
    Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025
  • This practice activates the diaphragm, which is a muscle that sits between the lungs and the abdomen.
    Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near might

Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on might

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