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 of might in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Military officials have said Tuesday’s parade was partly intended to showcase South Korea’s military might as a deterrence to North Korea, which frequently stages parades featuring weapons such as intercontinental ballistic missiles. Reuters, NBC News, 1 Oct. 2024 The idea behind the law is that any president -- as commander in chief of U.S. forces -- shouldn't be allowed to use federal military might against its own citizens. Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2024 While there's no actual turbocharger hiding below the burner grates, the stove does pack in more cooking might and an extra layer of safety, further improving backcountry boiling, grilling, searing, griddling and all-around meal prep. New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2024 Discussions touched on how to make Singapore, where cricket has been played since the 1830s through its British footprint, more of a hub for the sport given its strategic location and financial might. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for might 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'might.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near might

Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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