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strength

noun
\ ˈstreŋ(k)th How to pronounce strength (audio) , ˈstren(t)th How to pronounce strength (audio) \
plural strengths\ ˈstreŋ(k)ths How to pronounce strengths (audio) , ˈstren(t)ths , ˈstreŋks \

Definition of strength

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
4a : legal, logical, or moral force
b : a strong attribute or inherent asset the strengths and the weaknesses of the book are evident
5a : 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
from strength to strength
: vigorously forward : from one high point to the next
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about strength

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The new scheme used the industrial-strength bcrypt hashing function with a work factor of 12. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, "Hacker site’s incriminating database published online by rival group," 13 Aug. 2019 And general manager John Lynch recently said Mullens, who lacks elite arm strength, returned with more zip on his throws. — Eric Branch, SFChronicle.com, "Mullens or Beathard? 49ers’ Shanahan not saying, but choice appears obvious," 12 Aug. 2019 The new Escape has sleeker, more aerodynamic styling and is more than 200 pounds lighter, due in part to more high-strength steel in critical areas of the body, an aluminum hood and suspension pieces. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "2019 Ford Escape: Last of a generation," 12 Aug. 2019 One reason the battle is so pitched is that, as the new class multiplied in numbers and strength, the divide between it and the rest of the country grew into the Mariana Trench. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, "Guns and the ‘New Class’," 10 Aug. 2019 Related Articles To me, these are careers of optimism and strength, representing the building and rebuilding of our nation and the world. — Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, "Amy Lindgren: Wrapping up the series on work in the trades," 10 Aug. 2019 The practice also improves strength, body awareness, balance, and breathing, says Mina Leslie-Wujastyk, a professional rock climber and yogi who has completed a 200-hour teacher training course at the Trimurti Yoga School in India. — Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, "12 Yoga Poses for Climbers to Do Daily," 9 Aug. 2019 But today the pursuit of thinness is wrapped in a mantra about striving for strength, calm and confidence. — Robin Givhan, Washington Post, "Why the SoulCycle and Equinox controversy hits so close to home for some fans," 9 Aug. 2019 Hunek believes the front will be his team's strength, particularly on defense, where Bachie moves up from linebacker to defensive end. — Matt Goul, cleveland.com, "Berea-Midpark leaning on defensive front, returning Jared Bycznski: 2019 football camp tour," 7 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strength.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of strength

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

History and Etymology for strength

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

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More Definitions for strength

strength

noun
How to pronounce strength (audio) How to pronounce strength (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of strength

: the quality or state of being physically strong
: the ability to resist being moved or broken by a force
: the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way

See the full definition for strength in the English Language Learners Dictionary

strength

noun
\ ˈstreŋth How to pronounce strength (audio) \

Kids Definition of strength

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