control 1 of 2

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as in controller
a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system the controls for the player are well marked

Synonyms & Similar Words

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control

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verb

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as in to contain
to gain emotional or mental control of he controlled himself only with the greatest difficulty in the face of his opponent's insulting remarks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun control contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of control are authority, command, dominion, jurisdiction, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When can authority be used instead of control?

While in some cases nearly identical to control, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

In what contexts can command take the place of control?

The words command and control are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When is dominion a more appropriate choice than control?

Although the words dominion and control have much in common, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

Where would jurisdiction be a reasonable alternative to control?

The meanings of jurisdiction and control largely overlap; however, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

When would power be a good substitute for control?

In some situations, the words power and control are roughly equivalent. However, power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When might sway be a better fit than control?

While the synonyms sway and control are close in meaning, 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 control
Noun
One thing that is in your control is having a trustworthy collection of travel bags. Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2025 Republican legislators in Austin have redrawn the Lone Star State's congressional maps after pressure from the president's political operatives, who are nervous that Democrats might win control of the House – as is customary for the party out of power – in 2026. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
Movement cannot be well controlled, and positioning may be difficult. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025 The Four of Pentacles suggests that clinging too tightly to control or resources may block abundance from flowing freely into your life. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for control
Noun
  • The storms also caused widespread power outages across the region.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 30 July 2025
  • Trump has the power to pardon Maxwell or to commute her sentence.
    Aysha Bagchi, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • Fraudsters then attempt to send spear-phishing emails that appear to originate internally, targeting an employee authorized to move money (e.g., an accountant or financial controller).
    Sunny Banerjee, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Intense workload increases the risk a controller will fail to anticipate events.
    Adrienne Bernhard, Scientific American, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • As the communist leader Robert Mugabe is elected, his declarations empower Africans to take up residence on the farmland, and her imperialist grasp slips, the beginning of the end for this family here.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 12 July 2025
  • The country greatly appreciated Jóhannesson’s grasp of the context and his insightful and entertaining commentary.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • When evaluating an investment, the firm also hires specialty and general management consultants, expert cost analysts and industry specialists.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Her management at a kids agency had been clueless about what being at the festival would entail.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Once on the list, properties cannot be removed for at least two years unless ownership changes and all active violations are fixed within 90 days of the sale, according to Word.
    Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • His strategy is simple but bold: equity and ownership for top employees.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • The crypto law, known in the chambers as Bill No. 247, is a renewed and more robust legislative effort to regulate cryptoassets in Panama, introduced in 2025 by Alternate Deputy Solís.
    Javier Bastardo, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • At some point, perhaps, Congress might even craft legislation that gives more direct guidance on how the EPA should regulate greenhouse gases.
    Justin Worland, Time, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Becton's yellow pajama pants and the single latex glove were analyzed by the Arkansas State Crime Lab, which reported the glove contained Becton's DNA and particulates of gunshot residue, according to the affidavit.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2025
  • The initial headline in the story contained incorrect information .
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The same principles that govern resilient pipelines showed up in how Astronomer managed the public narrative.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • However, experts question whether such repeals will withstand scrutiny under the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the legal process for rescinding rules.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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