strength

noun

ˈstreŋ(k)th How to pronounce strength (audio)
Definition of strengthnext
1
as in power
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task the murdered man's wife didn't have the emotional strength to face reporters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stability
the ability to withstand force or stress without being distorted, dislodged, or damaged this cheap shelving unit doesn't have the strength to hold all those books

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun strength contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strength are energy, force, might, and power. While all these words mean "the ability to exert effort," 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

When might energy be a better fit than strength?

While in some cases nearly identical to strength, energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

When can force be used instead of strength?

Although the words force and strength have much in common, force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

When is it sensible to use might instead of strength?

The words might and strength can be used in similar contexts, but might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

When could power be used to replace strength?

In some situations, the words power and strength are roughly equivalent. However, power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

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 strength The program also supports the Department of War’s policy of delivering peace through strength. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 Each of those movements is also determined in part by the strength of the infrared light shining at it. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026 This significant achievement informs her choice to customize a piece that reflects her strength, creativity and tenacity. — Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 But Abigail acted swiftly, expressing the boundless affection of Love, God, coupled with the strength of divine Principle, another name for God. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strength
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strength
  1. power
  2. reliability
  3. energy
  4. stability
  5. muscle
  6. sturdiness
Noun
  • As Itauma continued attempting to throw power punches, Hrgović knew his opponent had nothing left and went for the kill.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • That experience helped shape Antares’ thinking around reliability and manufacturing maturity.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Fragmented systems, inconsistent data, undocumented business logic and years of workarounds will show up in the quality and reliability of what gets produced.
    — Atul Sabharwal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of reliability
Noun
  • The voyage produced a 24 percent reduction in fuel consumption, according to measurements released by the maritime energy company.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • India's quarterly economic growth has exceeded expectations several times over the past year, defying a bleak global trade environment, high energy prices and geopolitical uncertainties.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of energy
Noun
  • This is a vehicle for anyone craving intense driving dynamics from an unusual, innovative machine that blends a car’s stability with much of the excitement and exposure of a motorcycle.
    — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • All in all, the Fed should not be influenced by fiscal policy or politics, because their remit is financial stability.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of stability
Noun
  • The protein building blocks can have anti-inflammatory and muscle-building properties – though studies and safety analyses of their benefits and efficacy as supplements or injections vary widely.
    — Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
  • So if muscles start to tighten, people lose spinal mobility and lumbopelvic stability.
    — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of muscle
Noun
  • This Bose SoundLink Plus speaker combines the excellent sound quality that Bose is known for with the sturdiness that's expected from an outdoor device.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The sturdiness that generational batters Hanif Mohammad, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and, more recently, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah and Younis Khan once brought to their batting line-up is now lacking.
    — Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of sturdiness

Browse Nearby Words

streetwise
strength
strengthen
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Cite this Entry

“Strength.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strength. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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