control 1 of 2

1
2
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

3
4
5

control

2 of 2

verb

1
2
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

3
4

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
  • The storms also caused widespread power outages across the region.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 30 July 2025
  • Trump has the power to pardon Maxwell or to commute her sentence.
    Aysha Bagchi, The Courier-Journal, 30 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
  • Once on the list, properties cannot be removed for at least two years unless ownership changes and all active violations are fixed within 90 days of the sale, according to Word.
    Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Streicher said owning a dog and a cat has brain benefits, but dog ownership may provide broader cognitive protection.
    Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 29 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
  • Help available for crashing out, including interventions such as therapy, as well as learning how to regulate emotions better and practicing self-care during times of significant stress.
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Becton's yellow pajama pants and the single latex glove were analyzed by the Arkansas State Crime Lab, which reported the glove contained Becton's DNA and particulates of gunshot residue, according to the affidavit.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2025
  • The initial headline in the story contained incorrect information .
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • However, experts question whether such repeals will withstand scrutiny under the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the legal process for rescinding rules.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • The same principles that govern resilient pipelines showed up in how Astronomer managed the public narrative.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on control

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!