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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of power

Noun

The article contends that California voters prioritize real economic concerns—such as housing affordability, rising utility and grocery costs, and fuel expenses—over celebrity status and entertainment value, making substantive qualifications more important than star power. —Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026

Instead of electricity shipped from far-off generators, Rajasthan started injecting power directly into local grids. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

Verb

Hyperscalers such as Meta and Google plan to use those chips for the data centers that will power their AI ambitions, which have been at the center of billions of dollars worth of investments since the beginning of the year. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 4 May 2026

And sure enough, the analysis showed damage to the cardiac mitochondria, which power the cells, and oversize lysosomes, which help break down cellular material. —Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 4 May 2026

Phrases Containing power

• staying power