executive control
noun
psychology
: the ability to carry out goal-directed behavior using complex mental processes and cognitive abilities (such as working memory and impulse inhibition)
… the prefrontal cortex, which is known to be involved in a range of high-level, executive control processes …—
Alison Motluk
compare executive function
Alison MotlukExamples of executive control in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The frontal and parietal regions are part of the brain’s dorsal attention and executive control networks, which support our ability to plan and work toward goals.
—Christian Wolf, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
The EEGs revealed low executive control and attentional engagement.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 17 June 2025
Supporters argue that the administration is restoring the original, temporary intent of TPS and reclaiming executive control over immigration enforcement.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025
The emergency order lifted a lower decision reinstating the two officials — National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox and Merit Systems Protection Board member Cathy Harris — which handed Trump a win in his efforts to expand executive control over the federal bureaucracy.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 18 June 2025
Investors must assess whether such a move would signal greater executive control, weakened shareholder protection or changes in corporate transparency.
—Jeff Jacobs, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The hippocampus is involved in learning, memory, and executive control.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 17 Mar. 2025
That decision upheld the president's authority to fire the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency without cause, reinforcing executive control over agencies typically considered independent.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Studies have shown that creative thinking involves the interplay between the brain's executive control network, which is responsible for focus, and the default mode network, which is associated with imagination and mind-wandering.
—Jennifer Kite-Powell, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
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Christian Wolf, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
The EEGs revealed low executive control and attentional engagement.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 17 June 2025
Supporters argue that the administration is restoring the original, temporary intent of TPS and reclaiming executive control over immigration enforcement.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025
The emergency order lifted a lower decision reinstating the two officials — National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox and Merit Systems Protection Board member Cathy Harris — which handed Trump a win in his efforts to expand executive control over the federal bureaucracy.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 18 June 2025
Investors must assess whether such a move would signal greater executive control, weakened shareholder protection or changes in corporate transparency.
—Jeff Jacobs, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The hippocampus is involved in learning, memory, and executive control.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 17 Mar. 2025
That decision upheld the president's authority to fire the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency without cause, reinforcing executive control over agencies typically considered independent.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Studies have shown that creative thinking involves the interplay between the brain's executive control network, which is responsible for focus, and the default mode network, which is associated with imagination and mind-wandering.
—Jennifer Kite-Powell, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Executive control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20control. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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