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 Hart InterCivic, based in Austin, Texas, produces the Verity voting platform used in hundreds of jurisdictions across 20 states. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2025 If any court of law, having the jurisdiction to decide on this matter, rules that any provision of these Official Rules is invalid or unenforceable, then that provision will be removed from the Official Rules without affecting the rest of the Terms. Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025 State data shows that Denver prosecutors charge stalking cases less frequently than many neighboring jurisdictions, and advocates worry that stalking isn’t always taken seriously by those in power. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025 Menish had passed the Kentucky Bar with a score high enough to practice in any Uniform Bar Exam jurisdiction. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
Noun
  • Delhi has been consistently prioritizing cold interests over all else—engaging with the junta in Myanmar, refraining from openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, engaging both Iran and Israel, and getting closer toward recognizing the Taliban as Afghanistan’s official government.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Many of them had easy access to government offices that enabled them to obtain genuine Syrian passports with fake names, according to former employees and regime figures.
    Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After wrestling control of Long Island from the Dutch, British rule went mostly unchallenged for over a century before the region played host to the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The mother of a star high school wide receiver has sued the Ohio High School Athletic Association over a prohibition on high school athletes signing NIL deals, but the case might be resolved by a rule change and, if not, would face hurdles.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Israel then tightened a land-sea-air blockade of the territory, which made normal governance impossible and turned every budget line into a permit request.
    Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
  • But while a dual CEO structure may superficially make sense for Disney, company insiders and corporate governance experts warn there are considerations specific to the Mouse House that would make such a dynamic unwise.
    Alex Sherman, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The administration also looked at data showing Memphis’ murder rates are approximately four times higher than Mexico City and 27 times higher than Havana, suggesting the city is more dangerous than areas abroad with elevated crime rates.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Last year, the Biden administration initially hit China with 25 percent tariffs on the STS cranes amid accusations of violating Section 301 trade laws, as well as wider national security concerns at the ports.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jurisdiction

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