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
Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2025 At first glance, the federal government’s price controls on prescription drugs, introduced under the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), may seem like a win for patients facing high medication costs. Julio Fuentes, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025
Verb
Sleep Token Owns the Top Three Sleep Token manages to control the top three rungs on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 But increasing costs is not a sustainable solution, and, therefore, insurers and consumers (who are often at odds) must work together to control spending without compromising outcomes. Mehb Khoja, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for control
Noun
  • Across the country, controller shortages have become untenable, with no quick fixes in sight.
    Aaron Krolik, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Delays and cancellations at the airport have persisted since the initial outage on April 28 when controllers temporarily lost radar and radio communications with aircraft.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Which is already more than can be said for Rockies management right about now.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
  • Indeed, many do function as autonomous sets of creative teams, with little formal management to hinder their progress.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • The show explores themes of power, identity and culture in Harlem.
    Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 5 May 2025
  • Ruth wants Prima to make a moral judgment about Heiss’s behavior, to see it as a perhaps exploitative abuse of power—a kind of judgment that hadn’t previously occurred to Prima.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood and sleep patterns.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 9 May 2025
  • This is especially true in the current context where most countries are more focused on accelerating technology's capabilities than efforts to regulate it meaningfully and create societal guardrails.
    Yoshua Bengio, Time, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Wildfire smoke contains very dangerous, tiny pollutants called PM2.5 that can travel deep into the lungs or enter the bloodstream when inhaled.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
  • May contain slightly more flavonoids compared to green tea.
    Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • State laws governing solar projects have frustrated many county lawmakers, who feel the state is taking the control over local projects out of their hands.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • But such government workers are still required to abide by laws and rules governing conflicts of interest and personal and business relationships.
    Jake Pearson, ProPublica, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Deacon said Slimane, who left the creative helm of Celine last year, has managed his career with aplomb, pursuing his interests in design and photography, and working to his own timetable.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • Cortini has managed to distil his passion into the sonic signature of these unique IEMs.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • Last summer, after running tests with red-colored dye to chart river flow and the effect of tidal current, the army corps applied herbicides approved by state and federal environmental regulators to five sites between Glastonbury and Chester.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
  • It has been widely cited by lawmakers, regulators and other news outlets.
    Emily Baker-White, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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