CONTROL Synonyms: 219 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

control 1 of 2

noun

Definition of control

as in power

the right or means to command or control others teachers are responsible for the students under their control

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in grasp

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 & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in management

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 & Similar Words

as in ownership

the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal took control of the process of selecting candidates for the scholarship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

control

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈtrōl

as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) you must learn to control your temper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to govern

to exercise authority or power over circumstances often control the choices we make in life

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to manage

to look after and make decisions about during the period that she controlled the company it was highly profitable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

The app also monitors battery status and controls lighting – practical features for both urban commuting and long-distance travel. — New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2026 The largest, Lithia Motors, lists 466 dealerships under its control. — Sean Tucker, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

Although De la Espriella won the presidency, his party controls only five seats in the Senate, while Petro’s Historic Pact remains the largest individual political bloc. — Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 The official added that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, and no party has the right to unilaterally control the shipping lane or decide whether vessels are entitled to pass through. — CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for control

Recent Examples of Synonyms for control

Noun

His brand shone as a symbol of national pride and soft power.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Damianos also hailed the entry of French investment company Meridiam as a backer to the Great Seas Interconnector project, an electricity cable that will connect Europe’s power grid with that of Cyprus and eventually Israel.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of power

Noun

Known as programmable logic controllers, these devices can be used like an industrial version of home thermostats.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Archer says the system can help controllers and flight crews detect emerging conflicts earlier, giving them more time to make informed decisions before safety risks develop.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of controller

Noun

The banks maintain that their contracts give them broad authority to end customer relationships and that decisions may be driven by regulatory and risk-management obligations.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
According to officials, the program began in 2001 with NDOW’s first Karelian bear dog, Stryker, making the agency one of the first in North America to use the breed for bear management.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of management

Noun

Indeed, some might suggest that asset protection planning is the science or art of separating clients from their assets while still allowing those clients the beneficial use and enjoyment of those assets.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The lawsuit requests damages of $10 million for past and future physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

— Madison Lambert, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of enjoyment

Verb

Lawmakers have also drafted a bill to regulate traffic through the waterway, including restrictions on certain vessels and penalties for violators, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Maine has passed a new AI law regulating artificial intelligence as a mental health advisor, similar to other state legislations.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of regulate

Verb

Aid agencies say mistrust, misinformation about Ebola, and resistance to restrictions on traditional burial practices have fueled hostility toward health workers and complicated efforts to contain the outbreak.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
While conducting a raid on his home Monday, federal agents seized 14 devices, including a hard drive and USB drive containing child pornography.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of contain

Verb

North and Central America and Caribbean governing body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have both criticized the FIFA president and rejected the plan.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Instead, the first 100 days are likely to be judged by whether the new president establishes credibility, assembles an effective governing team and demonstrates that campaign promises can evolve into a coherent governing strategy.

— Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of govern

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“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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