power 1 of 2

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2
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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
Everybody else has no choice, really, other than to bring a cruel, narcissistic far-right leader to power. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025 Intake leverages the power of Ivalua’s gen AI and low code/no code configuration to automate and orchestrate processes across any system. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
By Carmen Arroyo | Bloomberg Elon Musk’s X Holdings Corp. is evolving from a social media platform powered by mainstream advertisers to one betting on dollars generated from artificial intelligence and subscriptions — a change that appears to have buoyed its revenue lately. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025 The Razr is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chip. PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power
Recent Examples of Synonyms for power
Noun
  • Guam plays a vital role in enabling the ability to operate forward by supporting logistics, command and control, and fleet readiness, the U.S. Navy said.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
    Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Early momentum swing Despite all the emotion and energy in the rink with Gabriel Landeskog’s stirring return to action after nearly three years away, Colorado started slowly.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Understanding and protecting your energy is key at any stage in your career.
    Ivan Terzi, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is certainly true at my company; much of our work is conducted online, and many of our faculty members, who live across the U.S. and internationally, have never met in person.
    Brady Gilliam, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • During his visit, Hegseth addressed more than 4,000 of the academy’s students and faculty, according to an online story by DoD News.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration, though, has recently objected to ICAO's move to boost sustainable aviation fuel.
    Valerie Volcovici and Timothy Gardner, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The low-cost shipping had helped fuel bargain shopping online at firms like Temu and Shein.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And after a Herro turnover, Sam Merrill hit a three to push Cleveland’s lead back to double figures, at 102-90, with 6:29 left.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Recent results have seen Newcastle United, Manchester City and Chelsea climb above them, pushing Nuno’s side, who are not in action again until a Monday night visit to Tottenham Hotspur, down to sixth, only ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In 1911, the Crystal Palace hosted its largest event, the Festival of Empire Exhibition, a chance for subjects to see their rulers in person, for overseas dominions to sing the empire’s praises and for imperial unity to shine out across the world.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Nov. 2024
  • As America steers the rickety tricycle of its fading dominion toward the boundless horizon of partisan derangement and endless griping, football will once again go about its job of trying to distract us from whatever the government decides to get up to in 2025.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Neuroplasticity allows for the formation of new connections, the purging of obsolete ones, and changes in the strength of existing connections—all processes that make subtle changes to the structure of our neural networks.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The organization will have to rely on the overall strength of its 40-man roster and rework the bullpen on the fly.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For engineering leaders, the imperative is clear: Foster these capabilities within your teams now, or risk falling behind organizations that do.
    Drew Naukam, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Berries, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, and apples also contain a bunch of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory capabilities.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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