Thesaurus

sway

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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of sway

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 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 for sway

Words Related to sway

Near Antonyms for sway

2 the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly

outdated attitudes that still hold sway in some communities

Synonyms for sway

Words Related to sway

counterinfluence

Near Antonyms for sway

3 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

Synonyms for sway

Words Related to sway

jurisdiction

Near Antonyms for sway

Antonyms for sway

sway

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of sway (Entry 2 of 2)

1 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?"

Synonyms for sway

Words Related to sway

bias,
color

inspire,
stir

Phrases Synonymous with sway

get to

Near Antonyms for sway

underwhelm

2 to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions

the way the ski lift was swaying in the wind made me nervous

Synonyms for sway

Words Related to sway

3 archaic to exercise authority or power over

an epic novel set in the days when Rome swayed the Western world

Synonyms for sway

Words Related to sway

Frequently Asked Questions About sway

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