power 1 of 2

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2
3
as in faculty
a natural ability of the mind or body dogs have a very highly developed power of smell

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in fuel
something with a usable capacity for doing work nuclear power

Synonyms & Similar Words

power

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun power contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of power are authority, command, control, dominion, jurisdiction, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When can authority be used instead of power?

Although the words authority and power have much in common, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

When might command be a better fit than power?

While in some cases nearly identical to power, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When would control be a good substitute for power?

The meanings of control and power largely overlap; however, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

In what contexts can dominion take the place of power?

The words dominion and power are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When could jurisdiction be used to replace power?

The synonyms jurisdiction and power are sometimes interchangeable, but jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

Where would sway be a reasonable alternative to power?

In some situations, the words sway and power are roughly equivalent. However, 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 power
Noun
The idea is that Nvidia gives OpenAI cash to build data centers, and in return, OpenAI buys Nvidia’s chips (at a discount) to power those data centers. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025 Genna McDonald tallied two goals and an assist to power Medfield to a 5-1 Tri-Valley League win over Norwood. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
Ellison clearly understands the power and significance of elevating certain stories over others. Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025 As Craigslist, Google, and Facebook usurped most of what newspapers counted on for ad revenue, my beloved industry cratered in all but the urban power centers. Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power
Recent Examples of Synonyms for power
Noun
  • Secure, redundant communication systems ensure instant presidential command, while E-6B airborne launch control aircraft can assume control if ground communication is lost, guaranteeing uninterrupted deterrence capability.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The percentage indicates how much of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continually uplifted others.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025
  • But sure enough, the artist born Frederick John Philip Gibson enlisted Amy Taylor and company for his drum n’ bass-inflected latest single, harnessing the group’s energy and then exploding it with Gesaffelstein-like sirens and typically all-over-the-place vocal triggers.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • He is set to return to his faculty responsibilities immediately.
    Julia Bonavita , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Professors and faculty need guidance Kasun — the professor from Georgia State — also doesn't believe professors should use AI for grading.
    Lee V. Gaines, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This means a car owner should account not only for upfront purchase price, but for the full suite of financial costs, like repairs, maintenance and fuel.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Alejandra's arms are full of fuel canisters.
    Teri Schultz, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025
  • For Rick Neuheisel, the moment was enough to push him over the edge emotionally.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In exchange for some $200 million per season, NBC and Peacock will assume dominion over the Sunday Night Baseball package from which ESPN uncoupled itself in February.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 Sep. 2025
  • There is only one holistic system of systems, one vast and immane, interwoven, interacting, multivariate, multinational dominion of dollars.
    Merrill Markoe, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Linebacker Zaire Franklin could not care less about the Colts’ strength of schedule.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Another important strength of the category may look at first like a contradiction.
    Rebecca Ackermann, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Otherwise, the features and capabilities of Yubico's Bio keys are the same as the $29 Editors' Choice-award-winning Yubico Security Key C NFC.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Future plans include linking these with hydrogen technologies to expand capabilities from short-term balancing to seasonal storage.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

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