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

Examples of jurisdiction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web During oral arguments, the justices wrestled first with whether the court even had jurisdiction to intervene in the state case. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2024 Metro wants jurisdictions in the DMV to crack down, and proposes tying it to the system's funding model. Anna Spiegel, Axios, 9 Oct. 2024 However, in instances of statewide concern like housing affordability, the Legislature can step in to provide regulatory consistency across jurisdictions, provide certainty for homebuilders, and reduce the red tape and bureaucracy that can slow construction. Ray Stern, The Arizona Republic, 9 Oct. 2024 That had to have added up to a hunk of money that was or will be added to the various jurisdictions’ coffers. Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jurisdiction 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jurisdiction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near jurisdiction

Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on jurisdiction

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