Might — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

auxiliary verb noun /ˈmīt/

Meaning & Definition of Might

Might (auxiliary verb)

  1. —used to express permission, liberty, probability, or possibility in the past
  2. —used to say that something is possible
  3. —used to say that one thing is true but something else is also true

Might (noun)

  1. the power, authority, or resources wielded (as by an individual or group)
  2. bodily strength
  3. the power, energy, or intensity of which one is capable

Might (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: energy, firepower, force, horsepower, muscle, potence, potency, power, puissance, sinew, strength, vigor
    related: aptitude, capability, capacity, competence, competency, adequacy, effectiveness, effectualness, usefulness
    opposite: impotence, impotency, powerlessness, weakness
    near: disability, inability, inaptitude, incapability, incapableness, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, uselessness, helplessness, paralysis

Related Entry: With might and main (phrase)

With might and main is a different word from Might. The synonyms below are for with might and main, not for might.

  1. in a vigorous and forceful manner

    "They scrubbed with might and main but couldn't get the stains out of the carpet."

    similar: dynamically, energetically, explosively, firmly, forcefully, forcibly, hard, mightily, muscularly, powerfully, roundly, stiffly, stoutly, strenuously, strongly, sturdily, vigorously, like gangbusters, to beat the band, with a vengeance
    related: fiercely, hammer and tongs, robustly, roughshod, sharply, vehemently, violently, actively, animatedly, briskly, crisply, eagerly, gamely, heartily, lustily, snappily, spiritedly, spunkily, vivaciously, decidedly, determinedly, directly, emphatically, fast, fixedly, intensively, intently, purposefully, resolutely, rigidly, smartly, solidly, soundly, squarely, steadfastly, steadily, sturdily, surely, aggressively, assertively, manfully, potently
    opposite: feebly, gently, softly, weakly
    near: delicately, faintly, frailly, shakily, bloodlessly, halfheartedly, languidly, lazily, listlessly, spiritlessly, impotently, ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly, spinelessly, uncertainly

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Might

The most common words with a similar meaning to Might:

energy, firepower, force, horsepower, muscle, potence, potency, power, puissance, sinew, strength, vigor

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Might

Words with the opposite meaning of Might:

impotence, impotency, powerlessness, weakness

Related Words for Might

aptitude, capability, capacity, competence, competency, adequacy, effectiveness, effectualness, usefulness

Near Antonyms of Might

disability, inability, inaptitude, incapability, incapableness, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, uselessness, helplessness, paralysis

Origin & Etymology of Might

Middle English, from Old English meahte, mihte; akin to Old High German mahta, mohta could

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Might

Words & Phrases Containing Might

might makes/is right, pigs might fly, try as one might, with all one's might, you might say, if I may/might say so

Frequently Asked Questions about Might

What does "Might" mean?

"Might" means —used to express permission, liberty, probability, or possibility in the past. As an an auxiliary verb and a noun, it is defined as: —used to express permission, liberty, probability, or possibility in the past.

What is another word for "Might"?

Other words for "Might" include energy, firepower, force, horsepower, muscle, potence, potency and power. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Might" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Might"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Might". Common alternatives include energy, firepower, force, horsepower, muscle, potence, potency, power, puissance and sinew.

What is the opposite of "Might"?

Antonyms of "Might" include impotence, impotency, powerlessness and weakness. Near antonyms include disability, inability, inaptitude and incapability.

How do you use "Might" in a sentence?

Examples of "Might" in a sentence: "currently the President lacks the political might to push the programs through the Congress".

Is "Might" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Might" can be used as an auxiliary verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Might" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Might" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Might"?

"Might" is pronounced /ˈmīt/.