1
as in power
muscular strength
I'm going to need someone with real muscle to help me move all this furniture
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strength
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task
at the time the military lacked the muscle to fight two wars at once
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to force
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
he was muscled out of command by his opponents at military headquarters
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of muscle
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
But that doesn’t mean the HBO Max series isn’t still stretching new visual comedy muscles.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Boozer caught up to Ball at the rim, but the guard muscled his way toward the bucket anyway, kissing the ball of the glass to score and draw an and one.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for muscle
Noun
Researchers have developed a 3D printing strategy to create programmable artificial muscles.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
But that doesn’t mean the HBO Max series isn’t still stretching new visual comedy muscles.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
Verb
The Blue Devils were out-muscling the Bruins and using their size to establish an advantage inside against UCLA’s lineup with four guards.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Boozer caught up to Ball at the rim, but the guard muscled his way toward the bucket anyway, kissing the ball of the glass to score and draw an and one.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for muscle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muscle
Noun
-
The Stars’ 71 power-play goals ranked first in the NHL in 2025-26, and Johnston’s 27 were the second-most in a single season since the 2004-05 lockout.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
They're driven very much by power, domination, control.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While the Sky are looking to rebound from a 10-34 season, the Dream went 30-14 last season and Reese’s growing offensive game, along with her strength on the boards, only adds to their championship hopes.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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And without Wagner, the Magic were missing too much of that collective strength.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy botched an uncontested breakout pass, and Tage Thompson hounded Fraser Minten to force a turnover.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The resulting uproar forced the resignation of the chief Sinaloa prosecutor.—
Steve Fisher,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Its prices are pushing up airfares, baggage fees and add-on charges.—
Mae Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Some lawmakers also want legislation that could push back on Selig’s offensive by affirming states’ authority to rein in the platforms.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Emilia’s, the Crescent’s Italian and Mediterranean all-day restaurant, has tables available for its Mother’s Day brunch featuring ham, beef tenderloin, sides and brunch items.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 May 2026
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Several spots have been on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, including my favorite, Bokujō Ramen, known for their pork belly and beef bone ramen.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Renewable energy Iggo is also keen on renewable energy, citing a recovery in stocks this year, driven by the massive demand for electricity coming from the AI trade, as well as the conflict in the Middle East.—
Michael Considine,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
-
As the Moon in Scorpio trines Jupiter from your 2nd House of Resources, confidence builds around what’s actually worth your time, energy, and attention.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
In the case against Roy Blackmon, two witnesses later testified their statements were coerced.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Warsh also minimized the president’s threats against the central bank, asserting that the Fed isn’t actually in any immediate danger of being coerced.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When picking your own, avoid squeezing the berries.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
-
That’s way too much time to squeeze into a mere 140 minutes.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
25 Apr. 2026
Video
When Body Parts Are Also Verbs
Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes
Cite this Entry
“Muscle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muscle. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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