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 Justice Department data, however, showed violent crime in 2024 hit a 30-year low in Washington, a self-governing federal district under the jurisdiction of Congress. Aj Vicens, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2025 The order required Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to issue a directive to the National Park Service requiring the removal and cleanup of all homeless encampments on federal land under the National Park Service's jurisdiction in the city. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025 In May, the Department of Homeland Security released its own list of sanctuary jurisdictions that included Cincinnati; Warren County, Ohio; and Campbell County, Kentucky. Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Aug. 2025 Further investigation identified Brauner as a suspect in similar thefts at hospitals in Loma Linda and Newport Beach, deputies said, adding that agencies in those jurisdictions are working to file charges against Brauner. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
Noun
  • Two Michigan government buildings ranked as some of the ugliest in the nation, with Flint's municipal center — a National Register of Historic places nominee — topping the list of ugly buildings.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Dale has state government, education, radio and television experience as well.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Military planners aimed to mitigate these risks with dress rehearsals at a base in Los Alamitos, California, and training on rules of force, according to the July 1 planning document.
    Tom Hals, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025
  • These rules are only in place for students in the Mason School district and not visiting teams.
    Jennie Key, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • During a governance committee meeting held directly before the regular school board meeting, several school board members voiced their opposition and concern over the decision.
    Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Taking stock of your current AI readiness and bolstering these foundational pillars now will pay off by giving you the flexibility to pivot to pursue future growth opportunities: Data quality and governance.
    Forrester, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The arrests of two wildland firefighters accused of working illegally in Washington state has sparked a new round of debate over the Trump administration's priorities about wildfires and immigration enforcement.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025
  • It has been tagged as a giveaway to rich elites, and the administration is tapping a vice president who grew up poor in Middletown to turn public perception.
    Francesca Chambers, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jurisdiction

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