Synonyms of power

power 1 of 2

noun

ˈpau̇(-ə)r 

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

• control
• dominion
• sway
• reign
• authority
• mastery
• sovereignty
• grip
• command
• influence
• arm
• jurisdiction
• clutch
• dominance
• privilege
• rein(s)
• death grip
• leverage
• hold
• management
• clout
• voice
• pull
• supremacy
• importance
• predominance
• right
• prerogative
• direction
• weight
• eminence
• imperium
• moment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• powerlessness
• impotence
• weakness
• helplessness
• impotency

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• energy
• strength
• muscle
• capacity
• capability
• force
• vigor
• horsepower
• potency
• firepower
• competence
• potence
• might
• competency
• puissance
• aptitude
• sinew
• effectiveness
• usefulness
• adequacy
• effectualness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• powerlessness
• weakness
• impotence
• disability
• inability
• incapacity
• impotency
• incompetence
• incompetency
• incapability
• inaptitude
• ineffectiveness
• uselessness
• paralysis
• inefficacy
• ineffectuality
• helplessness
• incapableness
• ineffectualness
• inefficaciousness

3

as in faculty

a natural ability of the mind or body

dogs have a very highly developed power of smell

Synonyms & Similar Words

• faculty
• capability
• capacity
• function
• instinct
• talent
• gift
• aptitude
• endowment
• flair
• knack
• genius

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incapacity
• inability
• incapability
• ineptness
• inaptitude
• inaptness

4

as in fuel

something with a usable capacity for doing work

nuclear power

Synonyms & Similar Words

• energy
• fuel
• force
• propellant
• kindling

power

2 of 2

verb

as in to fuel

Related Words

• fuel
• push
• generate
• energize
• charge
• fire
• electrify
• switch
• set off
• discharge
• activate
• turn over
• drive
• spark
• trigger
• trip
• move
• launch
• actuate
• start
• kick over
• recharge
• release
• turn on
• stimulate
• touch off
• crank (up)
• reactivate
• run
• ignite
• excite
• arouse
• stir up
• accelerate
• provoke
• incite
• vitalize
• speed (up)
• jump-start
• quicken
• step up
• instigate
• catalyze
• kick-start

Dissimilar Words

• kill
• cut
• cut out
• shut off
• brake
• stop
• turn off
• cut off
• check
• stick
• arrest
• halt
• draw up
• deactivate
• suppress
• slow
• stall
• repress
• jam
• stunt
• decelerate

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

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

Recent Examples of power

Noun

Breslow’s consolidation of power within the Red Sox hierarchy is complete, and there is no debate about who is calling the shots now. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

Its power has withered amid years without peace negotiations and Israel tightening its grip on the occupied West Bank. —Sam Metz, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026

Verb

On a recent weekday morning, dozens of state officials and energy industry representatives gathered at Tejon Ranch, just across the road from Edmonston, to celebrate a sparkling new solar plant that will help power the pumps. —Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

The battery holds 4 MJ, and in the past few races, each driver has been allowed to recharge and then use up to 8 MJ per lap to power the electric motor that supplements the turbocharged V6 engine. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 20 Apr. 2026

Phrases Containing power

• staying power