MIGHTS 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

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

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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

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 Each spatula has a stainless steel core underneath the silicone, which keeps it from bending or snapping the way a plastic one might, and is both dishwasher-safe and stain-resistant. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026 Like many who were detained only to be released, Cazares needed a combination of luck and legal might. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026 China, despite its growing economy, still lagged far behind the United States in geopolitical influence and military might. — Michael E. Neagle, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026 Many historians blasted the report as cherry picking instances in a complex that features a central display of the Star Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat and a wing devoted to the United States’ industrial might. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for might

Recent Examples of Synonyms for might

Noun

Its boosted flat-six engine receives a power bump, and rear-axle steering is now standard, as are larger brakes with six-piston calipers up front.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Europe is now home to some of the most promising companies building clean power, while remaining an expensive place to buy it.

— Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of power

Noun

Battle-tested Like their patron Iran, the Houthis have deployed asymmetric warfare for the 21st century by capitalizing on their strengths — primarily drones and missiles.

— NBC news, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026
Treatments for acne range from over-the-counter creams and lotions to prescription-strength medications.

— Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of strength

Noun

But fear not, Lisa will be channeling that energy into her art.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
It was deemed Biden’s signature climate law, providing hundreds of billions of dollars for tax credits and programs to bolster the clean energy sector (much of that funding was repealed by the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act).

— Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of energy

Noun

The Pentagon has bet its fighter jet future on Boeing, raising questions about competition, cost, and capability.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
The problem, Snegovaya said, is that achieving military autonomy for Europe and Ukraine is extremely difficult in the short term, and Europe has been slow to develop the necessary capabilities.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of capability

Noun

But can a single supplier, no matter how competent and experienced, possibly be relied upon to deliver such a critical part of both forces’ future warfighting capacity?

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
High-ambition leaders building a new model of development deserve a high-ambition international financial system with the capacity to enable them to get there.

— Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of capacity

Noun

Federal physical activity guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercise on at least two days.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Legacy Effects made full-size physical references, while ILM developed a digital muscle system and explored movements inspired by elephant seals and sumo wrestlers.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of muscle

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mightily

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“Might.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/might. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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