Synonym Chooser

How does the noun dominion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dominion are authority, command, control, jurisdiction, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When might authority be a better fit than dominion?

While the synonyms authority and dominion are close in meaning, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

When could command be used to replace dominion?

The words command and dominion 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 can control be used instead of dominion?

Although the words control and dominion have much in common, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

Where would jurisdiction be a reasonable alternative to dominion?

In some situations, the words jurisdiction and dominion are roughly equivalent. However, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

When is power a more appropriate choice than dominion?

The words power and dominion can be used in similar contexts, but power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When would sway be a good substitute for dominion?

The synonyms sway and dominion are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 dominion In 1911, the Crystal Palace hosted its largest event, the Festival of Empire Exhibition, a chance for subjects to see their rulers in person, for overseas dominions to sing the empire’s praises and for imperial unity to shine out across the world. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Nov. 2024 As America steers the rickety tricycle of its fading dominion toward the boundless horizon of partisan derangement and endless griping, football will once again go about its job of trying to distract us from whatever the government decides to get up to in 2025. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025 Stark, strategic realities require we the people of the United States disengage from the cabal that is attempting to assert dominion over our country. Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025 Historically, imperialist leaders have used military conquest, economic coercion or diplomatic pressure to expand their dominions, and justified their foreign incursions as civilizing missions, economic opportunities or national security imperatives. Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dominion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominion
Noun
  • All of that has culminated in domination at Quail Hollow.
    Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • The group’s No. 1 run began in July 2019, when Del Barrio Hasta Aquí debuted at the summit, becoming its longest-leading set to date, with an 18-week domination.
    Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The way their dynamic is structured, Colin fears that one wrong move could bring things to an end, which merely reinforces Ray’s power over him.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • Preeminence in science, advanced technology, and medicine is also a key element of America's soft power, strengthening friendships and alliances with countries that want to develop closer collaboration with U.S. universities, companies, and research centers.
    Robert Hormats, Time, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • That enthusiasm hasn't waned over the past five years, which have seen theaters struggle as streaming giants like Netflix seek to establish dominance in Hollywood.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 May 2025
  • Either result will represent a change from the recent dominance of a brilliant Real Madrid, who have won the biggest prize in six of the past 11 seasons.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • However, his potential control over the Vatican Bank raises important questions about FBAR filing duties.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Stories about strict border controls and immigration enforcement have created hesitation among potential travelers.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Even after the restoration of full sovereignty with German reunification in 1990, German officials still trod lightly.
    Mark I. Vail, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
  • As a result, its ability to translate regulatory ambitions into digital sovereignty is limited.
    Ian Bremmer, Foreign Affairs, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • As the first American pope, Leo XIV could holds symbolic and substantive sway in how U.S. Catholics interpret the intersection of faith and governance.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • Bhattacharya’s sway, too, is likely to expand far past his own agency.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • And while the watch world has had a Formula 1 obsession as of late—as brands compete for supremacy in the sport—this watch actually flew under the radar for a time, with Leclerc wearing it all the way back at the Bahrain GP a month ago without anyone really noticing.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
  • Global Competition Is Fiercer Than Ever While the U.S. once held an undisputed lead in R&D, nations such as China, Germany and Japan are rapidly closing the gap, vying for supremacy in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum science and sustainable energy technologies.
    Justin Schwartz, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The original building was destroyed in 1853, during the Xianfeng Emperor's reign of the Qing Dynasty.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 May 2025
  • Original Idol Kelly Clarkson continues her reign as a TV host and recording artist, while Carrie Underwood—now a judge on the show—remains one of country music's top-selling artists.
    Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dominion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominion. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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