CONTROL Synonyms: 219 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

control 1 of 2

noun

Definition of control next

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

as in controller

a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system the controls for the player are well marked

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as in grasp

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

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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as in ownership

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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control

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈtrōl

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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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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as in to govern

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

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as in to manage

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

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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

As the control center for the body’s functions, the brain plays an important role in aging. —

Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026 Drift racers intentionally oversteer to the point of losing traction while maintaining control of the car. —

Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026

Verb

The Ford also includes sophisticated radar that can help control air traffic and navigation. —

Idrees Ali, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 The expressive and excitable young girl stumbles along, while the wary grown-up remains controlled and refined — even though both are completely lost. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for control

Recent Examples of Synonyms for control

Noun

Until crude vulgarians like Miller came along, no prominent American political figure would claim on our behalf a right to use our power for purely selfish ends, at the expense of other democratic states and foreign peoples.

— Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Calling out corporate entities and concentration of power as enemies also appears to be a winning strategy for Democrats in their messaging tactics.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 9 Feb. 2026

Definition of power

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“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of control

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