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
Witnesses say the streetcar went down the hill without control and ended up on its side. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025 Given that the Democrats would only have to pick up four seats to take control of the House, the Texas action is highly meaningful. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
Some funiculars are driverless, but the Glória Funicular typically has a brakeman on board, who controls the streetcar’s movement. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 4 Sep. 2025 Residents of communities surrounded by flares and leaking wells, like Catarina, want the state and the industry to do more to control oil field emissions. ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for control
Noun
  • He's been incredible with the Mets, and his power is almost impossible to replace.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The rallies aimed to demonstrate the power of the working class in cities including Boston, Chicago, Detroit and New York.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Fly offers five different speed modes selectable via a wireless, single-button neoprene glove controller.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The keys are vertically aligned to improve controller navigation.
    Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Defensive back Prince Green III made the initial tackle to pop the ball out of Jordan’s grasp, then Caleb Moore recovered the ball.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The final two drops saw Lamb let a Prescott deep shot go right through his hands deep into Eagles territory just a few plays before a fourth down go-ball also fell through his leaping grasp.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Rachael Holder, whose feature directorial debut Love, Brooklyn is making a splash at the indie box office, has signed with ColorCreative for management.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Accion’s investments from the new fund — made before reaching a final close last month — include Nigerian payroll management startup PaidHR in June, and Kenyan online commerce venture Flowcart (formerly called Sukhiba) last year.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Even though Josh and Arteta have a good relationship, stemming back to when Arteta played for the club, Lewis is the conduit between the club and ownership.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • There is tremendous demand to be part of NFL team ownership and, relative to other leagues, very few sales or transfers of ownership stakes give a buyer controlling interest in a team.
    Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Researchers have found that curcumin—the primary compound found in turmeric—has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Northern Sea Route is generally viewed as more developed and regulated, with Moscow investing heavily in infrastructure as part of a broader campaign to gain an upper hand in the Arctic.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement The panel has already obtained roughly 33,000 pages of records from the Justice Department, though Democrats have complained those disclosures contained little new information.
    Nik Popli, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Eventually, the Nepali army was deployed to contain the situation.
    Rajeev Tyagi, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The allegiance transfer rulings were last changed by the sport’s governing body in 2018, when the minimum three-year waiting period (to compete internationally) was introduced.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • After the race was over, the governing body gave its ruling on the collision.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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