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

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 Leaders role-modeling this approach will teach employees better than any training might. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Then-Barca president Josep Bartomeu underestimated the financial might and daring of the Qatar backed Ligue 1 giant by inserting a mere $233 million (€222 million) release clause in his contract. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Some observers are cautioning that the benefits could be skewed in favor of countries with the financial might to plow into research and development, infrastructure like computing resources, and English-speaking nations. Amy Gunia, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025 Alcock proved her might as young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen before two-time Golden Globe nominee Emma D'Arcy portrayed the character as an adult. Nick Romano, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for might 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for might
Noun
  • The reformers driving this movement believed in human progress, scientific management, the use of government power for the public good, and replacing political patronage with the hiring of experts.
    Johnathan K Williams / Made by History, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025
  • But once the plane was airborne, the board staff said, it could have been pulled out of a sudden stall if the crew had applied emergency power and lowered its nose.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • At the heart of this movement is the resurgence of the tie - a classic menswear accessory - now reimagined as a symbol of strength and sophistication in women's fashion, as exampled by Scandinavian staple brands like Won Hundred.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 4 Feb. 2025
  • America’s strength lies in its diversity of thoughts and ideas — and not just from the GOP.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The mandate also targets oil and gas leasing in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and again revokes the conservation status of 28 million acres of public land that had been withdrawn from mineral and energy development since 1971.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Johor is at the epicenter of the data center boom in Southeast Asia after Singapore imposed a three-year moratorium on new data center projects due to renewable energy and land constraints.
    Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Because Buzzfeed didn’t have the production capabilities to take the story on, NBCUniversal evp Smith paired the publication with Maxine.
    Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025
  • As a general rule of thumb, Adidas jackets that utilize polyester or nylon tend to boast the highest moisture-wicking capability.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Classroom capacities, historical trends and demographic shifts all can change the makeup of a school’s student population.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
  • On the flip side, the shoulders have an incredible capacity for multiplanar function, offering a great deal of flexibility and range of motion.
    Matt Parrott, arkansasonline.com, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Scar tissue can also develop from long-term inflammation, often where the muscles of the forearm attach to the elbows.
    Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
    Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near might

Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on might

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