power 1 of 2

1
2
3
as in faculty
a natural ability of the mind or body dogs have a very highly developed power of smell

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in fuel
something with a usable capacity for doing work nuclear power

Synonyms & Similar Words

power

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun power contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of power are authority, command, control, dominion, jurisdiction, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When can authority be used instead of power?

Although the words authority and power have much in common, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

When might command be a better fit than power?

While in some cases nearly identical to power, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When would control be a good substitute for power?

The meanings of control and power largely overlap; however, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

In what contexts can dominion take the place of power?

The words dominion and power are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When could jurisdiction be used to replace power?

The synonyms jurisdiction and power are sometimes interchangeable, but jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

Where would sway be a reasonable alternative to power?

In some situations, the words sway and power are roughly equivalent. However, 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 power
Noun
Genna McDonald tallied two goals and an assist to power Medfield to a 5-1 Tri-Valley League win over Norwood. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025 Small linear accelerators power a variety of applications around the world. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Northern California power edged JSerra 6-5 in overtime for fifth place in the South Coast Tournament. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025 Like McDavid, this is one of the biggest offensive threats in the world, and his power-play impact should still be off-the-charts good. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power
Recent Examples of Synonyms for power
Noun
  • The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette maintains full editorial control over this article and all other coverage.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Going forward, the chain may need to hire a police detail to traffic control, the chief said.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continually uplifted others.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025
  • But sure enough, the artist born Frederick John Philip Gibson enlisted Amy Taylor and company for his drum n’ bass-inflected latest single, harnessing the group’s energy and then exploding it with Gesaffelstein-like sirens and typically all-over-the-place vocal triggers.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The rankings also look at first-year retention rates, borrower debt, faculty salaries, student-faculty ratio, standardized test scores, peer assessment and more.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The car show is hosted throughout the campus and is organized and run mostly by students attending the university with little direct involvement from faculty.
    Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This means a car owner should account not only for upfront purchase price, but for the full suite of financial costs, like repairs, maintenance and fuel.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Alejandra's arms are full of fuel canisters.
    Teri Schultz, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Speaking in Rhode Island, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said that signs of labor market weakness had pushed policymakers to shift their balance of risks in a way that justified a rate cut this month.
    Benzinga, Freep.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In exchange for some $200 million per season, NBC and Peacock will assume dominion over the Sunday Night Baseball package from which ESPN uncoupled itself in February.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 Sep. 2025
  • There is only one holistic system of systems, one vast and immane, interwoven, interacting, multivariate, multinational dominion of dollars.
    Merrill Markoe, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While this has not been a strength so far this year, I'd be shocked if Andy Reid didn't test the undermanned Ravens front seven -- and have at least a little bit of success.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Two no-trump shows some interest in game and asks about partner's second suit as well as his strength.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To do this, focus on uniquely human capabilities in your employees and hone those skills.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The idea — supplying Ukraine with an interest-free loan of $164 billion to boost its military capabilities — would send a forceful message to Moscow, Merz wrote in the Financial Times.
    Claire Cameron, semafor.com, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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