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 Their bill would explicitly designate college athletes as employees of their universities by amending definitions in the National Labor Relations Act and expanding the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) jurisdiction to include both public and private universities. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2025 The Southern District of New York claimed that agreement — made in Florida — didn’t apply to their jurisdiction. Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025 This balanced approach could serve as a model for other jurisdictions struggling with crypto regulation. Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2025 By integrating these services, clients operating across multiple jurisdictions receive a seamless, coordinated plan rather than navigating conflicting local strategies. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
Noun
  • In the Gulf, governments and the private sector are creating new companies and financial instruments that open opportunities for investors in both debt and equity markets.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The threat to withhold back pay has angered federal employees, according to Axios which first reported on the memo, and prompted criticisms from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers who insist the government is legally obligated to compensate furloughed workers.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Schools must follow state mandates on instructional hours, but states typically don’t set strict rules on how long a lunch period should be, so some principals whittle it down to twenty or twenty-five minutes.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025
  • According to the rules laid down by Nobel in his 1895 will, the prizes can only honor up to three people per award — a growing challenge given the collaborative nature of much scientific research.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Will Hamas abdicate any role in the future governance of Palestinians?
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Oct. 2025
  • However, poor governance and limited regulatory oversight proved disastrous for Bankman-Fried and his backers when his fraudulent activities were exposed.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Disarming Hamas and the future governance of Gaza The agreement has raised questions about Gaza’s post-war administration, which could involve an international body including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • These groups and their supporters now have access to the top levers of government, either through official roles in the agency or through the administration’s adoption of their views.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jurisdiction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!