1
as in influence
the power to bring about a result on another
under the sway of euphoria, she offered to take us all out to dinner in celebration of her new job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in leverage
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
outdated attitudes that still hold sway in some communities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in power
the right or means to command or control others
a time when Rome held sway over a vast empire that stretched from Britain to the Near East
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to influence
to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response
how can you not be swayed by that precious kitten, meowing as if to say, "Please take me home with you?"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to lurch
to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions
the way the ski lift was swaying in the wind made me nervous
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to govern
archaic
to exercise authority or power over
an epic novel set in the days when Rome swayed the Western world
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 sway
Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 May 2025
This ensures the bag fits well, reduces sway and maximizes comfort.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 30 May 2025
Hiking shoes provide stability for navigating slippery decks or climbing stairs when the ship is swaying, especially while crossing the Drake Passage.
—Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sway
Noun
Once the organization signed Brad Holland as pro scouting director, and the analytics department held more sway, more capable names (specifically Ekholm) were added.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 May 2025
This ensures the bag fits well, reduces sway and maximizes comfort.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Verb
Many patients enter with expectations of dramatic results, often swayed by influencer testimonials.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 30 May 2025
Hiking shoes provide stability for navigating slippery decks or climbing stairs when the ship is swaying, especially while crossing the Drake Passage.
—Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sway
Noun
-
In a city like New York, defined by its unmatched diversity across race, culture, and socioeconomic background, lasting change requires collaboration between institutions with different influence levers.—
Sindhya Valloppillil,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
An important early influence was an uncle, Paul Saville, an artist who also taught at a private school in Oxford.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty Welcome to the Age of Dumb Kissinger, where Washington is undermining its leverage, weakening alliances, and emboldening adversaries.—
Matt Robison,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
-
The exception is generational players, like Steph Curry and LeBron James, who have the leverage for long-term deals.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
5 June 2025
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
Verb
-
The ceremony also featured people affected by overturning the ban.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2025
-
But that timing could create legal roadblocks, according to Pardo, because the term limits proposal would be on the same ballot as candidates who would be affected by it.—
Tess Riski,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2025
Verb
-
Growing panicky, the animal lurched wildly, lost its footing altogether, and fell back toward me and my horse.—
Jim Carmichel,
Outdoor Life,
5 June 2025
-
Thereafter, plans for the cemetery lurched back to the Great Park but never successfully held on to momentum.—
Jonathan Horwitz,
Oc Register,
28 May 2025
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
-
Trump is governing by unchecked gut impulses, with little or no homework or coordination among agencies.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Future studies with more participants—measuring the long-term effects of these diets—are needed to determine who benefits the most from each one.—
Simon Spichak,
Health,
14 June 2025
-
The advisory is in effect until 11 p.m. Ways to stay safe during a flood according to the NWS For either residents or campers of flood-prone, low-lying areas, take immediate action and seek higher ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
-
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sway. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share