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 Her Miami appearance echoed many familiar themes, preaching about God’s dominion and transforming American values and culture. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025 The next generation of Kardashians will soon enough inherit the dynasty’s now quieter cultural dominion, despite the media’s relentless transmutation, because the family has become powerful enough to run on autopilot. M. J. Corey, New Yorker, 24 May 2025 The region was once home to the Samnites, an ancient Italic warrior people that fought the Romans for dominion before Rome became an empire. Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025 Our system was built to harness the human urge for dominion and prestige by setting it against the urges of other women and men. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dominion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominion
Noun
  • The brand does not aim for mass-luxury global domination.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2025
  • Here’s a look at the ten brands that rolled their way to the top in 2024, each with a different formula for domination.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Perks, power, and play Beyond the food and drink, the lounge features seven all-gender restrooms, a private shower suite, two reservable rooms, a parent’s room, and fast, free Wi-Fi.
    Paul Rubio, AFAR Media, 23 June 2025
  • Why Tacit Knowledge Often Isn't Shared Despite its power, tacit knowledge rarely flows freely.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Dominating Grocery Walmart’s dominance is most pronounced in grocery.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • This launched an era of dominance with a string of classic main events.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Because many of the scenes are shot through windows or doorways, the camera can seem sympathetic to Agnes’s struggle to regain control.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • In his latest book, Is a River Alive?, Macfarlane travels to three very different rivers (in Ecuador, India and Quebec) to examine the question of a river’s sovereignty.
    Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
  • The United States is declining into authoritarianism and threatening Canada’s sovereignty.
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The two cases are not identical, as there is no dispute that Drogheda and Silkeborg are controlled by the same owner, whereas Textor has never had that much sway at Palace, but Trivela’s travails demonstrate that UEFA is getting increasingly strict with MCO groups.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Emmanuel Macron for instance has lost enormous sway in Israel, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The lights go up in Sin City on Sunday night as defending champion Mexico faces Costa Rica with Group A supremacy and a smoother road to the final on the line.
    Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • One of them, Illinois coach Bret Bielema believes, is an end to the notion of the Southeastern Conference’s supremacy.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • It was announced on Wednesday that directing legend Denis Villeneuve would be the first James Bond director under the new Amazon reign, diving into the lore of the legendary secret agent some time after his next Dune movie.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The film, released in 1991, explored the expulsion of the Indian minority from Uganda during the reign of Idi Amin.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dominion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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