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
The ruling landed as a symbolic rebuke of Musk’s sway over Tesla, and a warning about the excesses of Silicon Valley’s cult-of-founder ethos. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 Lewis argued that residents living in the rural, less populated areas of the state do not have enough sway on statewide ballot measures. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
As such, wardrobe styling and other modes of non-verbal communication — from raising an eyebrow or throwing a cutting look to the way one lights a cigarette or sways to a disco beat — were particularly key to creating character. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025 Gorman, however, said she is not swayed by claims of environmental stewardship, pointing to the irony of altering Mars’ atmosphere to better suit humans. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sway
Noun
  • By the mid-1930s, however, Husseini’s influence was dimming.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Fall’s fashion trends mark a return to classicism, with influences from academia and the English countryside, and few pieces capture the mood as effortlessly as blazers.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Another example is msg Global Solutions AG, whose Greenwashing Detector solution leverages generative AI to validate reports and detect potential greenwashing.
    Sophia Mendelsohn, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The global energy transition is forging ahead, fracturing old trade alliances and generating new forms of geopolitical leverage that all companies need to be more attuned to, JPMorgan believes.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As demand for electricity surged to power more electric devices in homes and Big Tech's boom in data centers, renewable energy has been the go-to source for the cheapest, fastest way to generate more juice.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, global demand for data center capacity could more than triple by 2030, requiring upgrades in power, cooling, and connectivity.
    Maurice Obeid, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But between private-jet flights to Spain and shopping sprees on Rodeo Drive, these women still deal with problems that affect millions of women worldwide.
    Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • It was especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with periods of significant losses followed by a notable recovery in profitability driven by cost-cutting and a transition to franchising.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To make for a more energy efficient and less nerve-racking exodus experience, once the line grows large enough, pulsing begins, wherein vehicles move in packs rather than lurch along at 5 mph.
    Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The title track opens the affair by lurching and creeping forward for ten minutes with odd, off-putting lyrics.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Bill Sharp of Big Wave Challenge, the sport’s new governing body, was on the judging panel that analyzed photos of Slebir’s ride from six angles.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • One of the biggest reasons for that is the lack of an overriding commission governing the sport, leaving no structure and gaping holes in regulation and fighter safety.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But what was the effect of that?
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • This innovative installation may hold one of the keys to accelerating a transition away from fossil fuels that scientists say is necessary if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Touch controls aren't supported here.
    Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sway. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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