SWAY Synonyms: 179 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'sway' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sway are authority , command , control , dominion , jurisdiction , and power . While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence. // the empire extended its sway over the region

Q: When can 'authority' be used instead of 'sway'?

The meanings of authority and sway largely overlap; however, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits. // granted the authority to manage her estate

Q: In what contexts can 'command' take the place of 'sway'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sway , command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience. // the army officer in command

Q: When would 'control' be a good substitute for 'sway'?

In some situations, the words control and sway are roughly equivalent. However, control stresses the power to direct and restrain. // you are responsible for the students under your control

Q: When could 'dominion' be used to replace 'sway'?

The synonyms dominion and sway are sometimes interchangeable, but dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority. // given dominion over all the animals

Q: When is 'jurisdiction' a more appropriate choice than 'sway'?

The words jurisdiction and sway are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits. // the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

Q: When is it sensible to use 'power' instead of 'sway'?

The words power and sway can be used in similar contexts, but power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence. // the power to mold public opinion

sway 1 of 2

noun

ˈswā

Definition of sway

as in influence

the power to bring about a result on another under the sway of euphoria, she offered to take us all out to dinner in celebration of her new job

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in leverage

the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly outdated attitudes that still hold sway in some communities

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in power

the right or means to command or control others a time when Rome held sway over a vast empire that stretched from Britain to the Near East

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sway

2 of 2

verb

as in to influence

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response how can you not be swayed by that precious kitten, meowing as if to say, "Please take me home with you?"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to lurch

to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions the way the ski lift was swaying in the wind made me nervous

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to govern

archaic to exercise authority or power over an epic novel set in the days when Rome swayed the Western world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sway contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sway are authority, command, control, dominion, jurisdiction, and power. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

When can authority be used instead of sway?

The meanings of authority and sway largely overlap; however, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

In what contexts can command take the place of sway?

While in some cases nearly identical to sway, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When would control be a good substitute for sway?

In some situations, the words control and sway are roughly equivalent. However, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When could dominion be used to replace sway?

The synonyms dominion and sway are sometimes interchangeable, but dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When is jurisdiction a more appropriate choice than sway?

The words jurisdiction and sway are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

When is it sensible to use power instead of sway?

The words power and sway can be used in similar contexts, but power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

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 sway

Noun

Defense officials, meanwhile, fret that a party seen as favorable to the Kremlin could have greater sway in a country that is fast rearming and is the largest single donor to Ukraine. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026 The Democratic contest to replace Moulton in the House will also test whether former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris still have some sway over Democratic voters. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026

Verb

The critic, who eschewed exclamation points like most good writers do, was swayed by an earthy wild mushroom and gorgonzola pie. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026 This prevents specialists from swaying recommendations based on conflicts of interest. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sway

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sway

Noun

And like Crane, Pavese’s influence is now less felt than remembered.

— Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Although the menu will have similar influences to the flagship restaurant’s, mall diners will find a heavier focus on sandwiches and fresh juices, Mashal said.

— Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of influence

Noun

In that light, today’s announcement carries risks — leverage always does — but suggests Kalshi has made its choice.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Lula very pointedly locates the threat differently, emphasizing the ability to resist a foreign power’s undue exertions of leverage.

— Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of leverage

Noun

This time, the TPLF appears to have mobilized widely, bringing together former foes in its stated goal of removing Abiy from power in Addis Ababa, the federal capital.

— SAMUEL GETACHEW, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
Traditional wireless systems present challenges for very small implants because their antennas and power requirements can increase device size.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of power

Verb

But hair loss is also a potential symptom of PMOS, which stands for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, a common hormonal disorder that affects about 5 to 6 million women in the United States.

— Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026
Under this lunation, a truth about burnout or a habit affecting your life rises to the surface.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of affect

Verb

Maybe this is what the Chargers are — lurching, sputtering and unable to consistently move the football, despite an offensive overhaul packed with lofty expectations.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
One more try and the orchestra slides up the expressive contrast a few notches to intensify the feeling of lurching from mood to mood.

— Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of lurch

Verb

The legislation would bring a standardized set of federal rules governing collegiate athletics.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 26 Sep. 2026
There are multiple factions with a variety of goals and assessments about the technology's promise, dangers and how it should be governed.

— Katie McQue, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of govern

Noun

My research provides a foundation for examining the internal architecture governing how pressure is processed before its effects become visible through decisions and behavior.

— Dr Natalie Callis, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
There’s a tremendous amount of intricate effects work on the film.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of effect

Noun

In fact, a 2025 study found that 28 percent of people with telogen effluvium had reduced ferritin levels, while no one in the control group had a deficiency.

— Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026
Also remember that anytime suspension components such as lower control arms are replaced, a wheel alignment should be performed afterward to ensure proper tire wear and handling.

— John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of control

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swatting

sway

swayed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Sway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sway. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sway

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verb

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