control 1 of 2

noun

Definition of controlnext
1
as in controller
a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system the controls for the player are well marked

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in hand(s)
the ability to direct the course of something after the tail fell off, the plane went out of the pilot's control firefighters keeping control of the blaze

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in management
the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something control of manufacturing operations was given to a new manager with fresh ideas

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4
as in hands
the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal took control of the process of selecting candidates for the scholarship

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in power
the right or means to command or control others teachers are responsible for the students under their control

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

control

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈtrōl How to pronounce control (audio)
1
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) you must learn to control your temper

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to contain
to gain emotional or mental control of he controlled himself only with the greatest difficulty in the face of his opponent's insulting remarks

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3
as in to govern
to exercise authority or power over circumstances often control the choices we make in life

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4
as in to manage
to look after and make decisions about during the period that she controlled the company it was highly profitable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun control contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of control are authority, command, dominion, jurisdiction, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When can authority be used instead of control?

While in some cases nearly identical to control, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

In what contexts can command take the place of control?

The words command and control are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When is dominion a more appropriate choice than control?

Although the words dominion and control have much in common, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

Where would jurisdiction be a reasonable alternative to control?

The meanings of jurisdiction and control largely overlap; however, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

When would power be a good substitute for control?

In some situations, the words power and control are roughly equivalent. However, power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When might sway be a better fit than control?

While the synonyms sway and control are close in meaning, sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of control
Noun
Utilizing an accompanying app or physical pushbutton controls, riders can choose between Slow, Middle and Fast pedaling preferences. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 5 June 2025 An employee uses a radio transceiver at the control room for traffic and crowd management for pilgrims at the General Transport Centre at the Royal Commission for Mecca and Holy Sites in Mecca on June 3, 2025. —Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Verb
Lau’s discipline is the physical extension of a whole philosophy of muscle development, harnessing of qi (energy) to help people know and control their body. —Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 4 June 2025 In 1950, the wall was reconstructed to control erosion and create artificial beaches. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for control
  1. controller
  2. management
  3. power
  4. regulate
  5. contain
  6. govern
  7. manage
  8. regulator
Noun
  • The controller's full-color display keeps you updated on your speed, battery and depth at all times.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
  • To complete the nostalgic experience, Nintendo will also release a wireless controller modeled after the original GameCube design, available exclusively to paid Nintendo Switch Online members.
    — Dave Quinn, People.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of controller
Noun
  • Adopt inventory management software and real-time tracking tools that offer clear visibility across all channels, helping to minimize overselling, underselling and stock discrepancies.
    — Adam Ayers, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • The state's wildlife management agency picked up and transported the dead mountain lion without further incident.
    — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of management
Noun
  • While the Marines are expected to avoid direct engagement with demonstrators, the symbolism of active-duty troops patrolling the streets of Los Angeles has reignited deep political tensions and legal debates over the limits of federal power.
    — Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2025
  • And in Harlem, stars gathered at the Apollo Theater for its 2025 Spring Benefit, rounding out a week filled with excellence, elegance, and undeniable Black star power.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 10 June 2025
Definition of power
Verb
  • The team worked quickly to regulate his blood glucose, rehydrate him, and start him on antibiotics—just in time.
    — Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • The very principle of financialization rules even the most mundane exchange of objects in the same manner that the most banal exchange of economic investment and speculation regulates the sign of spiritual autonomy and utopian aspirations that abstraction had initially promised.
    — Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Definition of regulate
Verb
  • This newsletter contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
    — KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • As of Friday evening, the blaze has been fully contained.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of contain
Verb
  • Lastly, master associations are governed by section 18.5 of the Condominium Act, even though the remainder of the Condominium Act does not apply to master associations.
    — Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • In the year 2120, the Earth is governed by five corporations: Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic, and Threshold.
    — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 June 2025
Definition of govern
Verb
  • Now managed by the National Trust, the estate is open to the public, allowing visitors to step inside and experience firsthand the setting of one of literature’s most enduring love stories.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • Kieran manages to survive, and Sean is finally held accountable and arrested for the deaths of Gabby Birch and Bronte Laidler.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Definition of manage
Noun
  • Top lawmakers on the House Financial Services Committee are asking regulators to consider handing Wall Street a big win by loosening requirements for how much cash banks must set aside to offset potential losses.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 June 2025
  • Electoral regulators still must validate the vote, though that is viewed as a formality.
    — Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Definition of regulator

Browse Nearby Words

contriving
control
controllable
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Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on control

Nglish: Translation of control for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about control

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