1
a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system
- the controls for the player are well marked
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
- administration,
- direction,
- governance,
- government,
- guidance,
- management,
- operation,
- oversight,
- regulation,
- running,
- superintendence,
- supervision
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
- administration,
- care,
- charge,
- conduct,
- direction,
- governance,
- government,
- guidance,
- handling,
- intendance,
- management,
- operation,
- oversight,
- presidency,
- regulation,
- running,
- stewardship,
- superintendence,
- superintendency,
- supervision
4
the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal
- took control of the process of selecting candidates for the scholarship
5
the right or means to command or control others
- teachers are responsible for the students under their control
- arm,
- authority,
- clutch,
- command,
- death grip,
- dominion,
- grip,
- hold,
- mastery,
- power,
- reign,
- rein(s),
- sway
1
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
- you must learn to control your temper
- bridle,
- check,
- constrain,
- contain,
- curb,
- govern,
- hold,
- inhibit,
- keep,
- measure,
- pull in,
- regulate,
- rein (in),
- restrain,
- rule,
- tame
- bottle (up),
- choke (back),
- hold back,
- mince,
- muffle,
- pocket,
- repress,
- sink,
- smother,
- squelch,
- stifle,
- strangle,
- suppress,
- swallow
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
3
to exercise authority or power over
- circumstances often control the choices we make in life
4
to look after and make decisions about
- during the period that she controlled the company it was highly profitable
- administer,
- administrate,
- carry on,
- conduct,
- direct,
- govern,
- guide,
- handle,
- keep,
- manage,
- operate,
- overlook,
- oversee,
- preside (over),
- regulate,
- run,
- steward,
- superintend,
- supervise,
- tend
See the Dictionary Definition
Frequently Asked Questions About control
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
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Time Traveler for control
The first known use of control was in 1523
See more words from the same year