plural strengths ˈstreŋ(k)ths How to pronounce strength (audio)
ˈstren(t)ths,
ˈstreŋks
1
: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance
2
: power to resist force : solidity, toughness
3
: power of resisting attack : impregnability
4
a
: legal, logical, or moral force
b
: a strong attribute or inherent asset
the strengths and the weaknesses of the book are evident
5
a
: degree of potency of effect or of concentration
chili peppers in varying strengths
b
: intensity of light, color, sound, or odor
c
: vigor of expression
6
: force as measured in numbers : effective numbers of any body or organization
an army at full strength
7
: one regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness : support
you are my love and my strength
8
: maintenance of or a rising tendency in a price level : firmness of prices
the strength of the dollar
9
: basis
used in the phrase on the strength of
Phrases
from strength to strength
: vigorously forward : from one high point to the next
Choose the Right Synonym for strength

power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort.

power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

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 implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

Examples of strength in a Sentence

I was impressed by his strength. She's doing exercises to build up the strength in her legs. Don't work too hard. You need to conserve your strength for tomorrow. Pull-ups increase upper body strength. Working on a farm requires a lot of physical strength. the strength and durability of the material I pray that I'll have the strength to do what I have to do. His determination shows real strength of character. Her inner strength is an inspiration to us all.
Recent Examples on the Web Toriyama was the mind behind the fantasy martial arts franchise featuring Son Goku, a boy from outer space with superhuman strength and a monkey tail who embarks on a quest for the seven dragon balls. Mai Nishiyama, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 Production has yet to return to full strength after the conclusion of last year’s Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which impacted many below-the-line crew members now being covered by this round of negotiations. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 Liberated from the shackles of insecurity and aware of their competencies and strengths, people can be empowered to contribute to broader social systems. Graham Ward, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Guests mixed the aged bourbons and ryes to their preferred style and strength. Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 Eve Morey, Lucinda Armstrong Hall and Jillian Nguyen play the other residents of the women’s shelter, and while there are minor tiffs among them, the more profound relationship is a sharing of sadness and strength that obliterates differences of ethnicity and class. Ty Burr, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Odunze features elite size (6-3, 212), speed and strength with excellent hands. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Israel has argued that a ceasefire would give Hamas an opportunity to regroup and regain strength, and the Biden administration has been balancing its support for a close ally with pushing for a pause and longer-term solution to the conflict. Ziad Buchh, NPR, 25 Feb. 2024 One of Avatar’s biggest strengths has been its casting, with 90% of its choices fully on point, and hopefully the same will be true of Toph. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strength.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English strengthe, from Old English strengthu; akin to Old High German strengi strong — more at strong

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strength was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near strength

Cite this Entry

“Strength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strength. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

strength

noun
1
: the quality or state of being strong
2
: power to resist force
3
: power to resist attack
4
a
: the power to have an effect
b
: degree of concentration
the strength of a liquid cleaner
c
: intensity of light, color, sound, or odor
5
: a strong quality
list the strengths and weaknesses of the book
6
: force as measured in numbers
army at full strength
7
: something or someone providing force or firmness : support entry 2
her family was her strength

Medical Definition

1
: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance
2
: degree of potency of effect or of concentration
3
: degree of ionization of a solution
used of acids and bases

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