energy

noun

en·​er·​gy ˈe-nər-jē How to pronounce energy (audio)
plural energies
Synonyms of energy
1
a
: dynamic quality
narrative energy
b
: the capacity of acting or being active
intellectual energy
c
: a usually positive spiritual force
the energy flowing through all people
2
: vigorous exertion of power : effort
investing time and energy
3
: a fundamental entity of nature that is transferred between parts of a system in the production of physical change within the system and usually regarded as the capacity for doing work
4
: usable power (such as heat or electricity)
also : the resources for producing such power

Synonyms of energy

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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 energy in a Sentence

The kids are always so full of energy. They devoted all their energy to the completion of the project. They devoted all their energies to the completion of the project. She puts a lot of energy into her work. The newer appliances conserve more energy.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Stock Chart IconStock chart icon wti Prospects of a diplomatic breakthrough have helped temper fears of further disruptions to global energy supplies, putting downward pressure on crude prices. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 On the one hand, the relief came through energy, when Washington granted a series of short-term waivers that kept the NIS refinery running while Hungary’s MOL negotiated to buy out the Russian stake. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026 More recently, inflation triggered by the Iran war has increased energy and food prices across the country in 2026. — Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 Think housing, hospitals, schools, clean energy, water, transportation, wildfire prevention and broadband. — Kiara Adams, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for energy

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin energia, from Greek energeia activity, from energos active, from en in + ergon work — more at work

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of energy was in 1783

Phrases Containing energy

Rhymes for energy

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Browse Nearby Words

energumen
energy
energy balance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/energy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

energy

noun
en·​er·​gy ˈen-ər-jē How to pronounce energy (audio)
plural energies
1
: power or ability to be active : strength of body or mind to do things or to work
a teacher of great intellectual energy
2
: natural power exerted with force : lively action
work with energy
3
: the capacity (as of heat, light, or running water) for doing work
4
a
: usable power (as heat or electricity)
b
: a source of energy
especially : a resource (as oil) used to provide energy

Medical Definition

energy

noun
en·​er·​gy ˈen-ər-jē How to pronounce energy (audio)
plural energies
1
: psychic energy
2
: the capacity for doing work
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