jurisdiction

noun

ˌju̇r-əs-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce jurisdiction (audio)
Definition of jurisdictionnext
as in government
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation) the United States has no jurisdiction over Cuba

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun jurisdiction contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of jurisdiction are authority, command, control, dominion, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

In what contexts can authority take the place of jurisdiction?

The words authority and jurisdiction can be used in similar contexts, but authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

When can command be used instead of jurisdiction?

The synonyms command and jurisdiction are sometimes interchangeable, but command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When might control be a better fit than jurisdiction?

In some situations, the words control and jurisdiction are roughly equivalent. However, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When is it sensible to use dominion instead of jurisdiction?

While the synonyms dominion and jurisdiction are close in meaning, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When is power a more appropriate choice than jurisdiction?

While in some cases nearly identical to jurisdiction, power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When would sway be a good substitute for jurisdiction?

Although the words sway and jurisdiction have much in common, 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 jurisdiction The company now holds claims over a roughly 32-square-mile area, the vast majority within the Bureau of Land Management’s jurisdiction. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026 The measure, known as House Bill 5567, was passed 30-6 by the judiciary committee, which has jurisdiction over the prisons. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026 The Fed chair was careful to note that fiscal policy is explicitly not within his jurisdiction. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026 Sales cut-off times vary by one to two hours before the drawing, depending on the selling jurisdiction. —David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
  1. government
  2. rule
  3. administration
  4. governance
Noun
  • Yet the county government has declined to release records about how investigators handled Dominique’s case before her death.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Throughout his 26 years in Congress, and particularly in recent years as chair of the powerful House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Graves has held enormous sway over how the federal government funds the nation’s transportation projects.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of government
Noun
  • Accessibility In accordance with Japan’s progressive rules for handicap accessibility, all floors are accessible with wide elevator access, lower level buttons reachable from wheelchairs, and wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the restaurant level.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The flight was intended for the training pilot to receive instruction in basic visual flight rules and included going over downtown Fort Lauderdale, the report said.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • The administration instead pointed to Crowfoot, who emphasized the state is trying to balance affordability with long-term climate goals.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Trump has said his administration's goal is to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of administration
Noun
  • Online, Black folks are constantly having this sort of public-private conversation about global current events, the federal administration’s dangerous incompetence, and democratic backsliding at all levels of governance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The March 17 ruling triggered fury across the continent and renewed longstanding questions about the organization’s governance.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of governance

Browse Nearby Words

jurisconsults
jurisdiction
jurisdictions
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Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jurisdiction

Nglish: Translation of jurisdiction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jurisdiction

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