sway 1 of 2

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sway

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verb

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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
Technology leaders who report to the CEO are more likely to have greater sway in vital digital era strategic and operational decisions. Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 The Redstone family holds nearly 77% of Paramount’s voting shares, giving the heiress tremendous sway. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
Categories can sway from old sitcoms to presidential history. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025 Her jaded, matter-of-fact assessment of courtship is a breath of fresh air for a genre where women are so often swayed by flowers and romantic dinners. Scott Phillips, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sway
Noun
  • Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • She was found guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence and sentenced to one year of probation.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Yet even adaptive leadership has limits without leverage.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Despite the current truce, tensions between the US and China continue, as China has begun setting its own deadlines to maintain leverage in the trade war.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Why Tacit Knowledge Often Isn't Shared Despite its power, tacit knowledge rarely flows freely.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Boozman’s committee was responsible for drafting legislation affecting nutrition assistance and agriculture programs.
    Alex Thomas, Arkansas Online, 24 June 2025
  • Extending the ceiling through a reconciliation bill would allow the government to keep making scheduled payments — including Social Security checks, veterans' benefits and tax refunds — and help avoid the kind of financial market turmoil that can negatively affect the broader economy.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The world is lurching toward autocracy, with alarming speed.
    Elisa Manfredini, Time, 14 June 2025
  • In the final moments, Molly lurches forward into this brave new world, with nothing but the overalls on her back and her best friend who can barely start her car.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Keeping politics out of the game sounds like an entirely reasonable position for world football’s governing body to take.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • World soccer’s governing body has been unable to convince fans or players that the tournament — a 32-team, month-long competition wedged between the end of one European season and the start of the next — was necessary, or even desired.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Typically, if fire restrictions are in place or a Red Flag Day is in effect, no fireworks of any kind are allowed.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 25 June 2025
  • Joe Raedle | Getty Images Economic uncertainty at home or military conflicts overseas -- each taken alone -- would normally have a significant effect on the bond market.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Because many of the scenes are shot through windows or doorways, the camera can seem sympathetic to Agnes’s struggle to regain control.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sway. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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