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
  • With subpoena power and broad jurisdiction over virtually every facet of the federal government, the Oversight Committee ranks among Capitol Hill’s mightiest panels.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 23 June 2025
  • At the height of her transformational powers, Bartsch can seem almost otherworldly because of her outsized presence coupled with her outlandish fashion sense.
    Nigel Smith, People.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Ultra responsive Mechanical buttons are a must for any controller at this price point, but their responsiveness is incredible.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • With overtime, controllers in the most complex airspace routinely make more than twice that amount.
    Joel Rose, NPR, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Would Haliburton be sidelined if this was January, in the dog days of a regular season grind, instead of June when a championship is within grasp?
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Washington realizes that Moore hasn’t even fully grown into his body yet, let alone having a full grasp of the game at this level.
    Dhani Joseph, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Resilience is more than traditional risk management, the report states.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Simply removing bears from the list and handing management to the states, which is the default after a species delisting, isn’t enough, says Chris Servheen — not when so much is still in flux.
    Christine Peterson, Vox, 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
  • This small shift has helped preserve his sense of ownership and creativity.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Clouds play an important role in regulating the climate.
    Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • As of Monday evening, the fire crew effectively contained 65% of the wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • The Senate bill containing President Trump's domestic policy agenda at the last minute eliminated a new excise tax that would have hammered the renewable energy industry, a move that likely ensured Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska would back the measure.
    Tracy J. Wholf July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Keeping politics out of the game sounds like an entirely reasonable position for world football’s governing body to take.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • World soccer’s governing body has been unable to convince fans or players that the tournament — a 32-team, month-long competition wedged between the end of one European season and the start of the next — was necessary, or even desired.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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