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control

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of control

1 a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system
  • The controls for the player are well marked.
Synonyms of control

controller, regulator
Words Related to control

actuator

button, dial, key, knob, lever, push button, selector, switch
2 the ability to direct the course of something
  • After the tail fell off, the plane went out of the pilot's control.
  • firefighters keeping control of the blaze
Synonyms of control

grasp, hand(s)
Words Related to control

clutch, grip, hold, mastery

arm, command, dominion, helm, sway

authority, domination, jurisdiction, might, power

administration, direction, governance, government, guidance, management, operation, oversight, regulation, running, superintendence, supervision
Near Antonyms of control

helplessness, weakness

impotence, impotency, powerlessness
3 the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something
  • Control of manufacturing operations was given to a new manager with fresh ideas.
Synonyms of control

administration, care, charge, conduct, direction, governance, government, guidance, handling, intendance, management, operation, oversight, presidency, regulation, running, stewardship, superintendence, superintendency, supervision
Words Related to control

generalship, leadership, rulership

agency

aegis (also egis), custody, guardianship, keeping, lap, protection, safekeeping, trust, tutelage, ward

engineering, logistics, machination, manipulation

coadministration, codirection, comanagement
4 the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal
  • took control of the process of selecting candidates for the scholarship
Synonyms of control

enjoyment, hands, keeping, possession
Words Related to control

ownership, proprietorship

authority, command, dominion, mastery, power

repossession, retention

claiming, collaring, commandeering, confiscation, procurement
Near Antonyms of control

dispossession, relinquishment, surrendering, transferal
Antonyms of control

nonpossession
5 the right or means to command or control others
  • Teachers are responsible for the students under their control.
Synonyms of control

arm, authority, clutch, command, death grip, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, power, reign, rein(s), sway
Words Related to control

clout, influence, leverage, pull, voice, weight

jurisdiction

direction, management

dominance, imperium, predominance, sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy

prerogative, privilege, right
Near Antonyms of control

helplessness, weakness
Antonyms of control

impotence, impotency, powerlessness

Synonym Discussion of control

power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion 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
authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.
    • granted the authority to manage her estate
jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.
    • the bureau having jurisdiction over parks
control stresses the power to direct and restrain.
    • you are responsible for the students under your control
command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.
    • the army officer in command
sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.
    • the empire extended its sway over the region
dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.
    • given dominion over all the animals

control

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of control

1 to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
  • You must learn to control your temper.
Synonyms of control

bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, tame
Words Related to control

bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow

arrest, interrupt, stop

block, hamper, handcuff, hinder, impede, obstruct

gag, muzzle, silence
Near Antonyms of control

liberate, loose, loosen, unleash

air, express, take out, vent
Antonyms of control

lose
2 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 of control

calm, collect, compose, contain, re-collect, settle
Words Related to control

hold back, restrain

rally, recover

lull, quiet, soothe, still, tranquilize (also tranquillize)
3 to exercise authority or power over
  • Circumstances often control the choices we make in life.
Synonyms of control

boss, captain, command, govern, preside (over), rule
Words Related to control

conduct, direct, head, lead

administer, manage, micromanage, oversee, regulate, superintend, supervise

dictate, dominate, domineer, lord (it over), master, oppress, reign (over), tyrannize

conquer, subdue, subjugate
4 to look after and make decisions about
  • During the period that she controlled the company it was highly profitable.
Synonyms of control

administer, administrate, carry on, conduct, direct, govern, guide, handle, keep, manage, operate, overlook, oversee, preside (over), regulate, run, steward, superintend, supervise, tend
Words Related to control

care (for), mind, watch

lead, pilot, steer

guard, protect, safeguard

micromanage, stage-manage

codirect, comanage
Phrases Synonymous with control

watch over

Synonym Discussion of control

conduct, manage, control, direct mean to use one's powers to lead, guide, or dominate. conduct implies taking responsibility for the acts and achievements of a group.
    • conducted negotiations
manage implies direct handling and manipulating or maneuvering toward a desired result.
    • manages a meat market
control implies a regulating or restraining in order to keep within bounds or on a course.
    • controlling his appetite
direct implies constant guiding and regulating so as to achieve smooth operation.
    • directs the store's day-to-day business

Learn More about control

  1. See words that rhyme with control Dictionary: Definition of control Medical Dictionary: Definition of control Spanish Central: Translation of control Nglish: Translation of control for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of control for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about control

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