power 1 of 2

noun

ˈpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce power (audio)
Definition of powernext
1
as in control
the right or means to command or control others the emir has nearly complete power over the emirate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in energy
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task the corporation has the power to accomplish almost anything you'll need to build a bit more power in order to be a star pitcher

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

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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

as in to fuel

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Dissimilar Words

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 permit applications showed oil companies requested to flare or vent more than 195 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year, enough to power more than 3 million homes and generate millions of dollars of tax revenue had the gas been captured. —ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025 Inside, MediaTek Brings the Brains Samsung uses a MediaTek 9400+ processor to power the Tab S11 line, an upgrade from the MediaTek 9300+ in the Tab S10 series. —PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
The formal handover of power between Bayrou and Lecornu is due to take place on Wednesday at midday local time. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025 That's the power of all of these wonderful performances, smart women doing smart things. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power
Recent Examples of Synonyms for power
  1. control
  2. energy
  3. faculty
  4. fuel
  5. push
  6. dominion
  7. strength
  8. capability
Noun
  • Somehow, the Hollywood star was still welcomed into the cockpit by the starstruck flight crew and allowed to briefly take control of the airliner.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Shut out of control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, Democrats are seeking to rebuild their brand with the American electorate following a poor performance during the 2024 presidential election.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • One of the bottlenecks in frequency comb technology has been the high energy required for spectral broadening.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Starting from the questionable proposition that revolutionary movements require energy and that energy in its most basic form is derived from solar rays, Chizhevsky listed some historical developments that lined up with astronomical developments.
    — Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of energy
Noun
  • Planning ahead and recognizing risks are important for students, faculty, and administrators.
    — Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Green, who curated this traveling exhibition that opened in Atlanta in 2019, has worked as a casting director for Walt Disney World in Orlando and served on the faculty of the UC Irvine and Spelman College.
    — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • However, biofuel production might turn this pathway into a tool for renewable energy, since fats can be converted into fuel.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • These black holes are born when massive stars reach the end of their nuclear fuel and can no longer support themselves against their own inward gravitational pull.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of fuel
Verb
  • On Wednesday, New York mayoral favorite Zohran Mamdani launched a public petition, calling on FIFA to make tickets to 2026 World Cup games—including the final in New Jersey—affordable, pushing the international soccer organization to set aside 15% of seats for locals in particular.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • 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, 13 Sep. 2025
Definition of push
Noun
  • Ralf Rangnick's men are jostling with Bosnia & Herzegovina for early dominion in Group H and travel to face the Dragons on Tuesday in a crucial clash.
    — Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The most likely result is perpetuation of the status quo, under which Israel controls the entirety of the territory between the River and the Sea and imposes differing degrees of authority over Palestinians under its dominion.
    — Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
Definition of dominion
Noun
  • The strength of last year’s group was the secondary.
    — Zach Berman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Plus, make sure to use weights that are appropriate for your current level of strength.
    — Jakob Roze, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of strength
Noun
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems with thermal imaging and infrared capability are in use and night-capable aircraft are available to support crews overnight if needed and as conditions permit.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Subsequently, Army units performed new equipment training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to prepare for potential employment of DE capabilities.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of capability

Phrases Containing power

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powdery
power
powerboat
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Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on power

Nglish: Translation of power for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about power

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