Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

power

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of power

1 the right or means to command or control others
  • the emir has nearly complete power over the emirate
Synonyms of power

arm, authority, clutch, command, control, death grip, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, reign, rein(s), sway
Words Related to power

clout, influence, leverage, pull, voice, weight

jurisdiction

direction, management

dominance, imperium, predominance, sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy

prerogative, privilege, right

eminence, importance, moment
Near Antonyms of power

helplessness, weakness
Antonyms of power

impotence, impotency, powerlessness
2 the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task
  • the corporation has the power to accomplish almost anything
  • youʼll need to build a bit more power in order to be a star pitcher
Synonyms of power

energy, firepower, force, horsepower, might, muscle, potence, potency, puissance, sinew, strength, vigor
Words Related to power

aptitude, capability, capacity, competence, competency

adequacy, effectiveness, effectualness, usefulness
Near Antonyms of power

disability, inability, inaptitude, incapability, incapableness, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency

ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, uselessness

helplessness, paralysis
Antonyms of power

impotence, impotency, powerlessness, weakness
3 a natural ability of the mind or body
  • dogs have a very highly developed power of smell
Synonyms of power

faculty
Words Related to power

function

capability, capacity

aptitude, endowment, flair, genius, gift, instinct, knack, talent
Near Antonyms of power

inability, incapability, incapacity

inaptitude, inaptness, ineptness
4 something with a usable capacity for doing work
  • nuclear power
Synonyms of power

energy, fuel
Words Related to power

kindling, propellant (also propellent)

force

Synonym Discussion of power

power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion 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
authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.
    • granted the authority to manage her estate
jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.
    • the bureau having jurisdiction over parks
control stresses the power to direct and restrain.
    • you are responsible for the students under your control
command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.
    • the army officer in command
sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.
    • the empire extended its sway over the region
dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.
    • given dominion over all the animals

Learn More about power

  1. See words that rhyme with power Dictionary: Definition of power Medical Dictionary: Definition of power Spanish Central: Translation of power Nglish: Translation of power for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of power for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about power

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up power? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

wherewithal

means, resources, or money

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. cache BuzzFeed reports on Trump-Cohen documents.

  2. intransigence, intransigent Trump cancels Davos trip.

  3. white supremacist Steve King discusses views.

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games