controlling 1 of 2

present participle of control
1
2
as in containing
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

3
4

controlling

2 of 2

adjective

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 controlling
Verb
In recent years, all of the major North American sports leagues have changed their ownership rules to permit specialist private equity funds to buy non-controlling stakes in their clubs under strict rules. Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Small controlling actions can become bigger controlling actions. Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The original deal was a stunner, with the Broccoli family controlling Bond for decades, albeit with Amazon MGM as a financial partner. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025 In contrast, the Warriors' fairly controlling hold over the Lakers has made for a much quieter scene in Los Angeles. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for controlling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for controlling
Verb
  • To manage your thirst, try limiting your salt intake, drinking enough water throughout the day, and regulating your bedroom temperature.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The two-part public event invites community members to explore the future of Florida’s coral reefs and the hidden role of deep-sea fish in regulating the planet’s carbon cycle.
    Diana Udel, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to containing much less caffeine than coffee, black tea provides L-theanine, which has a calming effect on the body.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The first showcased that a blend of cannabis oil, containing the psychoactive compound THC, as well as CBD and other natural compounds in the plant, outperformed a placebo.
    NPR, NPR, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This summer, the president appointed his top aides — Staff Secretary Will Scharf, Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair and Office of Management and Budget energy official Stuart Levenbach — to sit on the governing body.
    Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Despite ideological differences, Dimon vowed to offer his support to Mamdani—or any mayor facing the challenge of governing New York.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • They’re managing and handling a very important strategic asset for us.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • DerParseghian, a perennial on THR‘s annual list of the top business managers in Hollywood and one of only a handful of female managing partners in entertainment business management, continues to manage the boutique firm based in Sherman Oaks, boasting some of Hollywood’s biggest A-list as clients.
    Steven Huizar, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Her anxiety stems from her domineering mother (Barbara Hershey) and rival dancer (Mila Kunis) who may or may not be after her part in the ballet.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
  • And one of the reasons the film doesn’t succeed is Meryl Streep’s grotesque performance as the filterless, domineering matriarch.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • You’re supposed to win when that happens … except that the two Dodgers starters, Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell, were equally dominating.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The decision reinforces due process protections for immigrants and citizens alike, curbing warrantless arrests and asserting that even federal agents must answer to the same legal standards they are sworn to uphold.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Another, William Durant, had secretly met with President Herbert Hoover earlier in the year, to lean on him to stop the Federal Reserve Board from curbing Wall Street’s excesses.
    Evan Hughes, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Abandoned by society yet driven by resilience, Hajeer transforms silence into strength, composing a symphony of redemption and love.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
  • For Ares, Nine Inch Nails will be composing the soundtrack, bringing their iconic industrial rock sound to the Grid.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Controlling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/controlling. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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