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
In traditional robots, a control system analyzes sensory data and tells the machine what to do. New Atlas, 29 June 2025 Advanced fly-by-wire controls in cockpits make aircraft intuitive and safer to pilot. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 June 2025
Verb
Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid controls the ball during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad de Fútbol at Santiago Bernabéu on May 24, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 But this year, the chaos is focused and controlled. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for control
Noun
  • While playoff contenders are still driven by star power, the evolution of the role player has shifted the draft process and player acquisition dynamic.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
  • Why Tacit Knowledge Often Isn't Shared Despite its power, tacit knowledge rarely flows freely.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • The arcade controls may be designed for one, but there are two USB-A ports for plugging in controllers for multiplayer or for games that work better with a controller.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 26 June 2025
  • In practice, that means about 40% of controllers are working six days a week, 10 hours a day.
    Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Two years after Nvidia Corp. made history by becoming the first chipmaker to achieve a $1 trillion market capitalization, an even more remarkable milestone is within its grasp: becoming the first company to reach $4 trillion.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • This process empowers clients to create financial plans with a complete grasp of the concept.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Resilience is more than traditional risk management, the report states.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The idea that residents should trust a city coming off 30 years of grievous management errors to handle this task well is hard to believe.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Form a governance council with IT, compliance and operations to ensure data ownership, accountability and consistent standards.
    Diganta Sengupta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • When the original ownership group headed by Mickey Monus and John Antonucci crumbled, Charlie put up an additional $8.5 million to purchase the controlling general partnership stock.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Clouds play an important role in regulating the climate.
    Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
  • Last week, the Senate approved the stablecoin bill, establishing a framework to regulate these digital currencies that are linked to the U.S. dollar.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • For reference, a cigarette typically contains 10 to 15 mg of nicotine.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 July 2025
  • The new collection contains 20 examples of chain-making expertise, many of which are paved with diamonds and paired with statement gems.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • As companies adopt these tools, the stakes go beyond efficiency—how AI is designed, deployed and governed will shape its real-world impact on organizations and the people who run them.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Once a nimble leader who used political and economic maneuvering to secure his regime’s survival, the aging Khamenei now governs an eroding and rigid state.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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