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

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 jurisdiction In recent years, reports have documented how ICE will sometimes jump on minor infractions, like a misdemeanor arrest, as a pretext to set deportation proceedings in motion, particularly in jurisdictions that cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 In separate letters to each company on Tuesday, the lawmakers allege that the pharmaceutical companies all avoided paying U.S. tax bills by shifting their profits to offshore subsidiaries in jurisdictions with much lower tax rates, such as Ireland and Bermuda. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 17 June 2025 Not every patient can or wants to move to one of the 12 jurisdictions that allow medical aid in dying. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 17 June 2025 Indeed, many have already left in recent years for low-tax jurisdictions. Antonio Weiss, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
Noun
  • Weekly analysis and insights from Asia’s largest economy in your inbox Subscribe now On Wednesday, Li urged global business leaders and senior government representatives to collaborate and avoid turning trade into a political or security issue.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Even after Trump was elected, senior Israeli government officials purportedly said a decision was reached in March—about one month before Trump met with Netanyahu in Washington—to strike Iran with or without U.S. assistance, according to The Post.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The charitable event, which launched in 2006 as an offshoot of the 24 Hour Plays project, has strict rules.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Going by this assessment, the Republican bill would violate the rule that determines what legislation can clear the Senate with a simple majority, which could force Republicans to amend significant portions of the legislation.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • What a bleak, cynical approach to governance, one that fails to address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability in society.
    Sonia Ossorio, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
  • Establish policies around data governance, and perform periodic audits on the data to ensure integrity and trustworthiness.
    Ramalakshmi Murugan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • India is hopeful of reaching a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration very soon, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told Newsweek in an interview.
    Jennifer Cunningham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Harvard is just one of several elite universities targeted by the Trump administration for alleged violations of students’ civil rights.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jurisdiction

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