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 total, 62 jurisdictions were implicated in the seizure records. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2025 Text from the Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over that separate standard, seeks to wipe out the Biden-era requirements but does not go as far as getting rid of the entire regulatory program. Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 6 June 2025 The theater’s management, which was led by a local Cantonese merchant, took full advantage of the fact that the Isis fell under Chinese and not foreign jurisdiction. H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 3 June 2025 Rangel became leader of the main tax-writing committee of the House, which has jurisdiction over programs including Social Security and Medicare, after the 2006 midterm elections when Democrats ended 12 years of Republican control of the chamber. Deepti Hajela, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
Noun
  • Noam Ross, an ecologist and data scientist, began digging through government databases to see whether the terminations could be tracked.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The move suggests that the US government wants to bolster its programming into Iran.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Though this deal brings some uniformity to the rules, states still have separate laws regarding how NIL can be doled out, which could lead to legal challenges.
    Eddie Pells, Baltimore Sun, 7 June 2025
  • Supporters say the new rules are necessary to keep California on track for its climate goals.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • That spring, Disney and Comcast negotiated a pact that outlined the governance of the service while it was jointly owned by the two companies and also provided a blueprint to dissolve their partnership.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • But now those links are absent from the governance documents page.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration’s tough stance on the budget and waste reduction will place Smith in a challenging position, leading an organization that acknowledges the need for reform but lacks the drive to implement it.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The Tesla and SpaceX CEO spent the past four months leading the administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which set out to slash government bloat and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jurisdiction

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