Synonyms of dominion

dominion

noun

də-ˈmi-nyən 

1

as in domination

controlling power or influence over others

in the Bible, man is given dominion over all the animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

• domination
• dominance
• sovereignty
• supremacy
• reign
• jurisdiction
• superiority
• hegemony
• ascendency
• imperium
• ascendancy
• predominance
• control
• preeminence
• ascendance
• ascendence
• lordship
• sovranty
• predominancy
• primacy
• privilege
• takeover
• authority
• management
• scepter
• mastery
• importance
• grip
• sway
• command
• prerogative
• arm
• eminence
• clutch
• direction
• clout
• right
• might
• choke hold
• pull
• moment
• hold
• weight

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• powerlessness
• impotency

2

as in power

the right or means to command or control others

was granted dominion over the household servants

Synonyms & Similar Words

• power
• control
• sway
• reign
• authority
• sovereignty
• jurisdiction
• mastery
• command
• grip
• influence
• dominance
• arm
• rein(s)
• privilege
• death grip
• clutch
• management
• supremacy
• voice
• hold
• clout
• leverage
• prerogative
• imperium
• predominance
• pull
• direction
• importance
• right
• weight
• eminence
• sovranty
• moment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impotence
• powerlessness
• weakness
• helplessness
• impotency

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

Recent Examples of dominion

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

In a place built on stretching human limitations, where people exert dominion over everything from fertility to outer space, even turning mortality into a business opportunity, the divine has seemed, to some, obsolete. —Emma Goldberg, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025

Kanye West goes on another antisemitic rant, defends Diddy, declares ‘dominion’ over wife. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025