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

Relevance

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 On the other hand, Hyper Beam can deliver its might from far enough that the opponent will have to reposition themselves before attacking. —Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025 But unlike previous wars, this conflict was truly global in scale, and it was won in large part through sheer industrial might. —Quanta Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025 But this franchise needs to be thinking bigger, and should start flexing its financial might more. —Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 Kuzminski said there’s a reason why a federal government should move cautiously when thinking about unleashing military might in American cities. —Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 7 Oct. 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
  • Zebra mussels can completely clog water intake structures and affect public water supplies, power generation and many other industries.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Dallas Cowboys climbed up most NFL power rankings lists following their 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2025
Definition of power
Noun
  • With its investments in AI infrastructure and obvious strengths on the power front, this is a country that is building out data centers and positioning itself as a hub for AI, entertainment, sports, finance, high-tech manufacturing and more.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Castelion claims that its mission is rooted in the belief that freedom must be actively protected – through technological strength, strategic clarity, and national resolve.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of strength
Noun
  • Deandre Ayton contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, and while those three provided the offensive spark, the defensive energy from Marcus Smart off the bench and Jarred Vanderbilt proved to be a game-changer, as both players recorded two steals apiece.
    — Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime.
    — Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of energy
Noun
  • The contracts are a significant step in broadening the hypersonic weapon options for the Pentagon which seeks to field more affordable strike capabilities, reported The Jerusalem Post.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Now the best offense in the league rolls into town, and Denver’s own offense hasn’t quite shown the consistent capability to win in a shootout (last Sunday notwithstanding).
    — Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of capability
Noun
  • Al-Falih emphasized his country’s long-term strategy of building supply chain resilience and energy capacity to power the digital economy of the future.
    — Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • This is a chic and practical pick for travelers, thanks to the adjustable strap and large one-liter capacity.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • Regular exercise trains your muscles to pull oxygen from your blood, which reduces heart rate, inflammation and stress.
    — Gina Park, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
  • While the former aids in the reduction of puffiness and dark circles in the under-eye area based on hot and cold contrast therapy, the latter comes with three attachments for relieving muscle pain, tension, and soreness through rapid pulsations.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of muscle

Phrases Containing might

Browse Nearby Words

miffs
might
mightily
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on might

Nglish: Translation of might for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All