another word for strength: 28 Synonyms & Examples

At a Glance: strength Synonyms and Related Alternatives

• Power (noun): the ability to do things or control others
• Might (noun): great force or strength
• Force (noun): physical power or intensity
• Vigor (noun): healthy physical or mental energy
• Stamina (noun): the ability to keep going over time
• Fortitude (noun): courage in facing pain or hardship
• Grit (noun): firmness of character; toughness
• Resilience (noun): the ability to recover quickly
• Tenacity (noun): holding firmly to something; persistence
• Clout (noun): influence or power, especially political

Which Word Should You Use?

If you want to…	Use	Why
Stay broad and safe	power	It covers physical, mental, and political strength
Describe muscles	brawn	It is specifically about physical bulk
Describe endurance	stamina	It is about lasting, not lifting
Praise character	fortitude	It honors courage under pressure
Sound motivational	grit	It is modern and punchy
Describe influence	clout	It fits politics and business
Describe intensity	intensity	It suits flavors, feelings, and storms
Describe structure	sturdiness	It fits furniture, buildings, and shoes

Exploring the Multiple Meanings of “strength”

1. Physical Power

• Meaning: The power of muscles; bodily force.
• Explanation: The most literal sense: lifting, pushing, carrying. Strength training builds this kind.
• Example: Years of rowing gave her remarkable upper-body strength.

2. The Power to Withstand

• Meaning: The ability to resist pressure, damage, or hardship.
• Explanation: Bridges, immune systems, and economies have this strength. It is about not breaking.
• Example: The bridge was tested for strength before opening.

3. Intensity or Potency

• Meaning: The degree of force or effect something has.
• Explanation: Strong coffee, a strong argument, a strong signal: here strength means concentrated effect.
• Example: The strength of the evidence convinced the jury.

4. Inner or Moral Strength

• Meaning: Courage, determination, and resilience of character.
• Explanation: The figurative sense we admire most: facing grief, fear, or temptation without giving up.
• Example: She faced the illness with quiet strength.

5. An Advantage or Strong Point

• Meaning: A quality that gives someone an edge.
• Explanation: “Patience is her strength” names what a person does best. This sense is about talent, not force.
• Example: Attention to detail is his greatest strength.

Sources: Merriam-Webster, Dictionary.com, Collins

Analyzing 28 strength Alternatives in Detail

Strength splits into body words, endurance words, character words, and influence words. Each entry notes its territory so you never mix them up.

Physical Power Words

1. Power

IPA: US /ˈpaʊər/ · UK /ˈpaʊə/

Definition: The ability to do something or to control others; physical force.

• Usage: The broadest synonym for strength. It covers engines, athletes, and governments, so context does the narrowing.
• Example: The car’s engine delivers impressive power for its size.

2. Might

IPA: /maɪt/ (US and UK)

Definition: Great power or strength.

• Usage: A slightly grand synonym, often in “with all one’s might.” It sounds literary in modern speech.
• Example: He pushed the door with all his might.

3. Force

IPA: /fɔːrs/ (US and UK)

Definition: Physical power, energy, or intensity.

• Usage: A neutral, technical synonym. Physics uses it precisely; everyday speech uses it for impact.
• Example: The force of the wind knocked over the fence.

4. Muscle

IPA: US /ˈmʌsəl/ · UK /ˈmʌsəl/

Definition: Physical power (figurative); also, the tissue itself.

• Usage: An informal synonym for bodily strength, or for people who provide it: “political muscle.” Figurative in most uses.
• Example: The union flexed its muscle during the negotiations.

5. Brawn

IPA: /brɔːn/ (US and UK)

Definition: Physical strength, especially of a large person.

• Usage: A synonym that contrasts with “brains”: brawn is muscle without necessarily brains. Use it carefully.
• Example: Moving the piano required brawn more than skill.

6. Vigor

IPA: US /ˈvɪɡər/ · UK /ˈvɪɡə/

Definition: Physical or mental energy and enthusiasm.

• Usage: A lively synonym for healthy strength. Note the spelling: vigor in American English, vigour in British English.
• Example: She attacked the project with fresh vigor.

7. Vitality

IPA: /vaɪˈtæləti/ (US and UK)

Definition: The state of being strong and active; life force.

• Usage: A warm synonym for living strength. It suits people, neighborhoods, and cultures more than machines.
• Example: The festival brought new vitality to the old town.

8. Robustness

IPA: /roʊˈbʌstnəs/ (US and UK)

Definition: The quality of being strong and healthy; sturdiness.

• Usage: A formal synonym for solid, reliable strength. Common in tech and health writing.
• Example: The software’s robustness impressed the reviewers.

9. Sturdiness

IPA: US /ˈstɜːrdinəs/ · UK /ˈstɜːdɪnəs/

Definition: The quality of being strongly built; toughness.

• Usage: A practical synonym for built-to-last strength: furniture, boots, bridges.
• Example: The sturdiness of the old table survived three moves.

10. Toughness

IPA: US /ˈtʌfnəs/ · UK /ˈtʌfnəs/

Definition: The ability to withstand hardship or force.

• Usage: A synonym for strength that endures: tough materials, tough people. It implies resistance.
• Example: The phone’s toughness survived a drop onto concrete.

Endurance Words

11. Stamina

IPA: US /ˈstæmənə/ · UK /ˈstæmɪnə/

Definition: The ability to sustain prolonged effort.

• Usage: A synonym for strength over time. Sprinters need power; marathoners need stamina.
• Example: The hike demanded more stamina than she expected.

12. Endurance

IPA: /ɪnˈdʊrəns/ (US and UK)

Definition: The ability to withstand hardship or keep going.

• Usage: A formal synonym close to stamina. It suits both athletes and anyone surviving difficulty.
• Example: His endurance during the long illness inspired everyone.

13. Tenacity

IPA: /təˈnæsəti/ (US and UK)

Definition: Holding firmly to something; persistence.

• Usage: A synonym for gripping strength, literal or figurative. Tenacious people do not let go.
• Example: Her tenacity finally won the client over.

14. Potency

IPA: US /ˈpoʊtənsi/ · UK /ˈpəʊtənsi/

Definition: Power, influence, or effectiveness.

• Usage: A formal synonym for concentrated strength: a potent argument, potent medicine. It suggests effect, not muscle.
• Example: The potency of the new drug surprised the researchers.

15. Intensity

IPA: /ɪnˈtensəti/ (US and UK)

Definition: The degree of strength or force.

• Usage: A related alternative for the “how strong” question. It measures rather than names strength.
• Example: The intensity of the storm caught everyone off guard.

Inner Strength Words

16. Fortitude

IPA: US /ˈfɔːrtətuːd/ · UK /ˈfɔːtɪtjuːd/

Definition: Courage in facing pain, danger, or hardship.

• Usage: A noble synonym for moral strength. It suits serious writing about adversity.
• Example: She bore the loss with remarkable fortitude.

17. Courage

IPA: US /ˈkɜːrɪdʒ/ · UK /ˈkʌrɪdʒ/

Definition: The ability to face fear or danger.

• Usage: A related alternative: courage is strength against fear specifically. The two overlap but are not identical.
• Example: It took courage to speak up in the meeting.

18. Determination

IPA: /dɪˌtɜːrməˈneɪʃən/ (US and UK)

Definition: Firmness of purpose; resolve.

• Usage: A synonym for strength of will. Determined people finish what they start.
• Example: His determination to learn the language never wavered.

19. Grit

IPA: /ɡrɪt/ (US and UK)

Definition: Courage and resolve; toughness of character.

• Usage: A modern, punchy synonym for inner strength. Popular in sports and self-improvement writing.
• Example: The young runner showed real grit in the final mile.

20. Backbone

IPA: US /ˈbækboʊn/ · UK /ˈbæk bəʊn/

Definition: Strength of character; also, main support.

• Usage: A vivid synonym: “show some backbone” means stand firm. Informal but widely understood.
• Example: The manager finally showed some backbone and set clear rules.

21. Mettle

IPA: US /ˈmetəl/ · UK /ˈmetəl/

Definition: Courage and spirit in facing difficulty.

• Usage: A literary synonym, usually in “test one’s mettle” or “prove one’s mettle.” It frames hardship as a trial.
• Example: The crisis proved the young mayor’s mettle.

22. Resilience

IPA: US /rɪˈzɪljəns/ · UK /rɪˈzɪliəns/

Definition: The ability to recover quickly from difficulty.

• Usage: A related alternative: resilience is strength that bounces back. It is about recovery, not resistance.
• Example: The community’s resilience after the flood was extraordinary.

Power and Influence Words

23. Clout

IPA: /klaʊt/ (US and UK)

Definition: Influence or power, especially in politics or business.

• Usage: An informal synonym for social strength. It suits news and commentary, not formal reports.
• Example: The senator used her clout to push the bill through.

24. Influence

IPA: US /ˈɪnfluəns/ · UK /ˈɪnfluəns/

Definition: The power to affect others’ actions or opinions.

• Usage: A neutral synonym for soft strength. Influence persuades; force compels.
• Example: Teachers have enormous influence on young minds.

25. Capacity

IPA: /kəˈpæsəti/ (US and UK)

Definition: The maximum amount something can hold or produce; ability.

• Usage: A related alternative for measurable strength: seating capacity, earning capacity. It quantifies.
• Example: The stadium was filled to capacity.

26. Firmness

IPA: US /ˈfɜːrmnəs/ · UK /ˈfɜːmnəs/

Definition: The quality of being solid, stable, or resolute.

• Usage: A synonym for steady strength: a firm handshake, firm principles. It suggests reliability.
• Example: She answered with a firmness that ended the debate.

27. Solidity

IPA: /səˈlɪdəti/ (US and UK)

Definition: The state of being solid, reliable, or well-built.

• Usage: A synonym for dependable strength, literal or figurative: a solid argument, solid construction.
• Example: The solidity of the evidence made the case unshakeable.

28. Energy

IPA: US /ˈenərdʒi/ · UK /ˈenədʒi/

Definition: The strength and vitality to do things; also, physical power.

• Usage: A related alternative for active strength. Energy is strength in motion.
• Example: The children still had energy after a full day outside.

Sources: Merriam-Webster, Dictionary.com

Physical Strength vs. Inner Strength: Two Sides of One Word

Strength’s two great territories deserve a clear map.

Aspect	Physical strength	Inner strength
Best words	power, brawn, muscle, vigor	fortitude, grit, courage, resilience
What it resists	gravity, force, fatigue	fear, grief, temptation
Built by	training, rest, nutrition	adversity, practice, reflection
Example	She has the strength to lift it.	She has the strength to face it.

English blurs the two deliberately: we admire a “strong person” in both senses. When writing, pick body words for the gym and character words for the heart, and your meaning stays clear.

Sources: Collins

strength and Opposite/Paired Word Pairs

Word	Paired Word	Note
strength	weakness	the direct opposite
power	powerlessness	the control pair
courage	cowardice	the character pair
vigor	lethargy	the energy pair
might	feebleness	the literary pair

Strength’s opposites follow its senses: weakness for the body, cowardice for character, and powerlessness for influence. Match the opposite to the sense, just as you match the synonym.

Sources: Merriam-Webster

Related Articles

• another word for anger
• another word for unhappy
• another word for work
• another word for better

Common Word Partners of “strength”

Pattern	Common Partners	Example
show of + strength	show, display	The parade was a show of strength.
on the + strength of	strength, basis	Hired on the strength of her portfolio.
strength + training	training, conditioning	He does strength training twice a week.
inner + strength	inner, quiet	She found inner strength to continue.
gain/muster + strength	gain, muster, gather	He mustered the strength to apologize.
test of + strength	test, trial	The marathon was a true test of strength.

Strength partners with displays, tests, and inner reserves, which shows its double life: something to show off and something to draw on.

Sources: Dictionary.com, Collins

Idiomatic Phrases Featuring “strength”

1. A tower of strength

• Meaning: A person who gives strong, reliable support to others.
• Example: During the crisis, she was a tower of strength for the whole team.

2. On the strength of

• Meaning: On the basis of; because of.
• Example: He got the job on the strength of his excellent references.

3. Strength in numbers

• Meaning: Being in a large group gives power and safety.
• Example: The protesters marched together; there is strength in numbers.

4. A show of strength

• Meaning: A display meant to impress or intimidate.
• Example: The military parade was clearly a show of strength.

Sources: Collins, Dictionary.com

Word Formation of “strength”

Etymology & Structure

Strength comes from Old English strengþu, built on strang (“strong”). It is reconstructed from Proto-Germanic *strangaz, possibly from a PIE root *strenk- “tight, narrow” (the same idea behind “string”). The noun adds the abstract suffix -th, the same pattern seen in “length” and “width.”

Date and History

The adjective strong is recorded from Old English with senses of physical power, firmness, and authority. Etymonline notes its use for feelings and emotions by the late 12th century, and for emphatic language by the 1690s. The noun strength has carried its core senses since the Middle English period.

Word Class Variations

• Noun: strength
• Adjective: strong (comparative stronger, superlative strongest)
• Verb: strengthen
• Adverb: strongly

Sources: Etymonline, Merriam-Webster

Common Word-Choice Mistakes

• “strongness” is not standard: the noun is “strength.”
• “power” for moral courage is imprecise: use “fortitude” or “courage.”
• “brawn” for intelligence-led success is wrong: it specifically means physical muscle.
• “stamina” for a single lift is wrong: stamina is about duration, not peak force.
• “might” as a verb (“I might go”) is different: as a noun it means great power.
• “force” for gentle influence overstates: use “influence” or “persuasion.”
• “grit” in very formal writing can sound trendy: “determination” or “fortitude” is safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest synonym for strength?
Power is the closest all-round synonym; might and force are close for physical senses.

What is the difference between strength and power?
They overlap, but power often implies control or energy output, while strength implies the capacity to resist or endure.

What is a formal alternative to strength?
Fortitude, robustness, and potency suit formal writing.

What is an informal alternative to strength?
Grit, brawn, and clout are casual and punchy.

What is the opposite of strength?
Weakness is the direct opposite; feebleness and frailty are close.

Can strength describe character?
Yes. Inner strength, moral strength, and strength of character are all standard.

What is the difference between stamina and strength?
Strength is peak force; stamina is the ability to sustain effort over time.

Is “strongness” a word?
It appears in dictionaries as rare, but “strength” is the standard noun in modern English.

What does “on the strength of” mean?
It means “on the basis of,” as in hired on the strength of a good interview.

Which is correct: “vigor” or “vigour”?
Both: vigor is American English, vigour is British English.

Conclusion

The most useful alternatives to strength are power for general use, stamina for endurance, fortitude for character, and clout for influence. Each one belongs to a different territory of this wide word, and the right choice keeps your meaning exact. For related ideas, see our guides to another word for anger, another word for unhappy, another word for work, and another word for better.

Strength rewards precision because it covers so much ground. A strong bridge, a strong argument, and a strong person share a word but not a meaning, and the right synonym tells your reader which world you are in.

To choose well, ask what is being strong against: gravity, time, fear, or opposition. Body words answer the first, endurance words the second, character words the third, and influence words the fourth. That single question turns a vague strength into the exact word you need.