power 1 of 2

1
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
Everybody else has no choice, really, other than to bring a cruel, narcissistic far-right leader to power. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025 Intake leverages the power of Ivalua’s gen AI and low code/no code configuration to automate and orchestrate processes across any system. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
By Carmen Arroyo | Bloomberg Elon Musk’s X Holdings Corp. is evolving from a social media platform powered by mainstream advertisers to one betting on dollars generated from artificial intelligence and subscriptions — a change that appears to have buoyed its revenue lately. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025 The Razr is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chip. PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power
Recent Examples of Synonyms for power
Noun
  • The Hanged Man asks you to fully surrender control and embrace this chapter of stillness.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
  • Start your day like a pro with simple morning cleaning habits that keep your home feeling fresh, organized, and under control.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Moscow regaining its status as Europe's top energy supplier would hurt American oil and gas producers, especially as the U.S. has made inroads as an LNG supplier there.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • During ketosis, the body burns fat for energy instead of sugar.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, Health, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Accreditation bodies and state boards also vary in their recognition and expectations of virtual learning modalities, requiring faculty and administrators to be agile in program design and delivery.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Flowers is the division head of cancer medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center, overseeing 16 medical oncology departments, composed of roughly 450 faculty members and 3,000 employees.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration, though, has recently objected to ICAO's move to boost sustainable aviation fuel.
    Valerie Volcovici and Timothy Gardner, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The low-cost shipping had helped fuel bargain shopping online at firms like Temu and Shein.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The upcoming show will explore the story of Black dandyism as a sartorial declaration and a tool for pushing (and examining) social and political change, both historically and in contemporary society.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025
  • And after a Herro turnover, Sam Merrill hit a three to push Cleveland’s lead back to double figures, at 102-90, with 6:29 left.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In 1911, the Crystal Palace hosted its largest event, the Festival of Empire Exhibition, a chance for subjects to see their rulers in person, for overseas dominions to sing the empire’s praises and for imperial unity to shine out across the world.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Nov. 2024
  • As America steers the rickety tricycle of its fading dominion toward the boundless horizon of partisan derangement and endless griping, football will once again go about its job of trying to distract us from whatever the government decides to get up to in 2025.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Night Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Got Involved in a Brawl at the Polo Lounge (Exclusive) Through it all, Goldsmith-Thomas has learned her versatility is one of her greatest strengths.
    Liz McNeil, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The future of education lies in combining the strengths of traditional academic practices with innovative technological solutions.
    Bruce Dahlgren, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For engineering leaders, the imperative is clear: Foster these capabilities within your teams now, or risk falling behind organizations that do.
    Drew Naukam, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Berries, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, and apples also contain a bunch of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory capabilities.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on power

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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