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
Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2025 At first glance, the federal government’s price controls on prescription drugs, introduced under the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), may seem like a win for patients facing high medication costs. Julio Fuentes, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025
Verb
Sleep Token Owns the Top Three Sleep Token manages to control the top three rungs on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 But increasing costs is not a sustainable solution, and, therefore, insurers and consumers (who are often at odds) must work together to control spending without compromising outcomes. Mehb Khoja, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for control
Noun
  • Across the country, controller shortages have become untenable, with no quick fixes in sight.
    Aaron Krolik, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Delays and cancellations at the airport have persisted since the initial outage on April 28 when controllers temporarily lost radar and radio communications with aircraft.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Which is already more than can be said for Rockies management right about now.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
  • Tim Manley, former grizzly bear management specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, says human-bear encounters have also increased as populations expand and move closer to human settlements.
    Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Expect this power shift to drive more M&A activity and deeper integrations between banks, fintech platforms, and lifestyle brands.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • Both Melling and Skarsgard show an intimate understanding of how the power dynamic between their characters works, but what gives Pillion its kick is the friction sparked when Colin starts wanting more.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • This is especially true in the current context where most countries are more focused on accelerating technology's capabilities than efforts to regulate it meaningfully and create societal guardrails.
    Yoshua Bengio, Time, 9 May 2025
  • Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood and sleep patterns.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • May contain slightly more flavonoids compared to green tea.
    Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
  • The same trick works for any food that contains digestible starch, including white pasta and potatoes.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • State laws governing solar projects have frustrated many county lawmakers, who feel the state is taking the control over local projects out of their hands.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • But such government workers are still required to abide by laws and rules governing conflicts of interest and personal and business relationships.
    Jake Pearson, ProPublica, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Russell tried to console Elissa and somehow managed to keep himself composed, holding up both of them through the disappointment.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • In 1914, thieves managed to dislodge one of the bronze children and carry it 150 feet before abandoning the 300-pound figure.
    Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • It has been widely cited by lawmakers, regulators and other news outlets.
    Emily Baker-White, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Last summer, after running tests with red-colored dye to chart river flow and the effect of tidal current, the army corps applied herbicides approved by state and federal environmental regulators to five sites between Glastonbury and Chester.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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