MIGHT Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

might

noun

Definition of might next

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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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 Social media is one more form of soft power — the ability to influence people through means other than military might. —

Tara Sonenshine, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2025 Arch-nemesis North Korea has been dispatching troops to help Vladimir Putin in Ukraine and honing its ballistic missile capability, while China is drastically building up its military might. —

Charlie Campbell, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025 China remains deeply reliant on access to the world’s markets, but many foreign governments are growing ever more concerned about the strategic implications of China’s economic reach and military might. —

Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 If the falling bombs won’t get them, something more supernatural might. —

Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2025 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
Though presidential pardoning powers are absolute, such a preemptive move would be a novel and risky use of the president's extraordinary constitutional power.

— WILL WEISSERT THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 18 Jan. 2025