Synonyms of jurisdiction

jurisdiction

noun

ˌju̇r-əs-ˈdik-shən 

as in government

lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)

the United States has no jurisdiction over Cuba

Synonyms & Similar Words

• government
• rule
• governance
• administration
• regime
• authority
• sovereignty
• power
• régime
• reign
• leadership
• regimen
• dictatorship
• dominion
• tyranny
• regulation
• management
• supervision
• domination
• oppression
• supremacy
• sway
• direction
• superintendence
• command
• hegemony
• sovranty
• subjugation
• autocracy
• mastery

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun jurisdiction contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of jurisdiction are authority, command, control, dominion, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

In what contexts can authority take the place of jurisdiction?

The words authority and jurisdiction can be used in similar contexts, but authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

When can command be used instead of jurisdiction?

The synonyms command and jurisdiction are sometimes interchangeable, but command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When might control be a better fit than jurisdiction?

In some situations, the words control and jurisdiction are roughly equivalent. However, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When is it sensible to use dominion instead of jurisdiction?

While the synonyms dominion and jurisdiction are close in meaning, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When is power a more appropriate choice than jurisdiction?

While in some cases nearly identical to jurisdiction, 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 jurisdiction?

Although the words sway and jurisdiction have much in common, sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of jurisdiction

Phone calls to local Social Security offices are currently being rerouted to other field offices — often to staff who don't have jurisdiction over the caller's case, employees say. —Ashley Lopez, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025

The agency also said that litigation or changes in how a jurisdiction is managed could lead to redistricting at any time. —Jenna Sundel hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025

On July 24, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that directs federal agencies to assist jurisdictions that criminalize people experiencing homelessness. —Antoine Lovell, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2025

The plaintiffs argued that the area of medicine is under the jurisdiction of states, and that Trump’s moves contradicted anti-discrimination laws. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 Aug. 2025