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
Lockdown may have driven some people to question one another’s reality; Eddington’s protagonist, however, seeks control of his—with violent and gory results. David Sims, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025 Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025
Verb
The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2025 Kevin Carter—Getty Images Advertisement The Commanders did not immediately issue a statement, but earlier this year, controlling owner Josh Harris said his team had no plans to change its name again. Chad De Guzman, Time, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for control
Noun
  • Atmosphere explores the themes of sacrifice, public service, and the transformative power of love in a more earthbound version of what propels Marvel superheroes.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 15 July 2025
  • Wimbledon has always been the chicest of the Grand Slam tournaments, but this year’s reached a fever pitch of star power and style.
    Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Fraudsters then attempt to send spear-phishing emails that appear to originate internally, targeting an employee authorized to move money (e.g., an accountant or financial controller).
    Sunny Banerjee, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Intense workload increases the risk a controller will fail to anticipate events.
    Adrienne Bernhard, Scientific American, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • As the communist leader Robert Mugabe is elected, his declarations empower Africans to take up residence on the farmland, and her imperialist grasp slips, the beginning of the end for this family here.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 12 July 2025
  • The country greatly appreciated Jóhannesson’s grasp of the context and his insightful and entertaining commentary.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Leslie Lee, Head of Product at Squid AI, brings 20 years in enterprise AI, data analytics, scalable automation and cloud product management.
    Leslie Lee, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The instructor had been discussing the concept of dynamic equilibrium in river management, which holds that healthy rivers with free meander patterns can achieve the right balance of sediment transport and riverbed stability to keep them from turning destructive.
    John Seabrook, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Co-designing automation with employees invites ownership, preserves purpose and affirms dignity—because progress without participation breeds resistance, not resilience.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Observe and report to armed security Scott Keller, who in December took on the role of the Plaza’s general manager, said the new ownership group began working to improve security soon after the Plaza was purchased.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • These entities have proliferated ever since the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, which effectively struck down longtime campaign finance regulations that sought to limit and regulate spending on political campaigns.
    M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • Some people may become less empathetic, while others may have a hard time regulating their emotions.
    Janelle McSwiggin, Health, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • When a reporter asked Attorney General Pam Bondi about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation on Tuesday, President Donald Trump could not contain himself a moment longer.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • But complexity theorists suspect that PSPACE is a much larger class, containing many problems that aren’t in P.
    Ben Brubaker, Wired News, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The Kerr County commissioners’ court consists of County Judge Rob Kelly and four commissioners and is the main governing body for the county, responsible for budgetary, tax and revenue decisions for the population of about 50,000 people.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • The provisions governing tips and overtime are similarly rule-dependent—neither is a blanket exemption.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

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