Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

dominion

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of dominion

1 controlling power or influence over others

  • in the Bible, man is given dominion over all the animals
Synonyms of dominion

ascendance (also ascendence), ascendancy (also ascendency), dominance, domination, hegemony, imperium, predominance, predominancy, preeminence, reign, sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy
Words Related to dominion

primacy, superiority

lordship, scepter

arm, authority, choke hold, clutch, command, control, grip, hold, mastery, sway

takeover

direction, jurisdiction, management

clout, might, pull, weight

eminence, importance, moment

prerogative, privilege, right
Near Antonyms of dominion

helplessness, weakness

impotence, impotency, powerlessness

2 the right or means to command or control others

  • was granted dominion over the household servants
Synonyms of dominion

arm, authority, clutch, command, control, death grip, grip, hold, mastery, power, reign, rein(s), sway
Words Related to dominion

clout, influence, leverage, pull, voice, weight

jurisdiction

direction, management

dominance, imperium, predominance, sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy

prerogative, privilege, right

eminence, importance, moment
Near Antonyms of dominion

helplessness, weakness
Antonyms of dominion

impotence, impotency, powerlessness

Synonym Discussion of dominion

power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine. power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.
    • the power to mold public opinion
authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.
    • granted the authority to manage her estate
jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.
    • the bureau having jurisdiction over parks
control stresses the power to direct and restrain.
    • you are responsible for the students under your control
command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.
    • the army officer in command
sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.
    • the empire extended its sway over the region
dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.
    • given dominion over all the animals

Learn More about dominion

  1. See words that rhyme with dominion Dictionary: Definition of dominion Spanish Central: Translation of dominion Nglish: Translation of dominion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dominion for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dominion

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up dominion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

secrete

to deposit or conceal in a hiding place

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. Spartan Red Cross Warns of Shelter Conditions

  2. hirsute RIP Burt Reynolds

  3. op-ed NYT Publishes Anonymous Piece

  4. collegiality Kavanaugh Mentions Word in Hearing

  5. mistrial Manafort Guilty on 8 Counts

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games