1
as in effects
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in influences
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
outdated attitudes that still hold sway in some communities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in controls
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in affects
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lurches
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
3
as in governs
archaic
to exercise authority or power over
an epic novel set in the days when Rome swayed the Western world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sways
Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
In addition, the NFL argued that the NFLPA refused to share important information about its survey, including methodology such as whether the data is weighted or averaged, and how qualitative feedback sways results.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Look for a silhouette that has a little movement, like this wide-leg pair, for a cropped hemline that sways above loafers, sneakers, and ballet flats.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
That sways decisions from time-to-time.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Coogan stretches his massive wingspan and sways to the music as the on-air countdown ticks toward zero.
—Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 8 Jan. 2026
As the two hugged, Hayley flashed a strip of sonogram photos at the camera as the couple smiles and sways in the sunlight.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
From leathery leaves to porcupine-like seedheads to foliage that sways gracefully, perennials offer all kinds of engaging winter interest.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025
Winter’s vocal presence imagines a fearless indie oddball like Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus going for the full prattling gusto of the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger; the band tussles and sways exhilaratingly underfoot.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Verb
Williams turns his ear for propulsive and bombastic melodies onto traditional Japanese instrumentation, creating a work that sways between gentle, meditative themes for the titular geisha (Ziyi) and heart-pounding selections to fill out her chaotic, tragic life.
—Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
In addition, the NFL argued that the NFLPA refused to share important information about its survey, including methodology such as whether the data is weighted or averaged, and how qualitative feedback sways results.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Look for a silhouette that has a little movement, like this wide-leg pair, for a cropped hemline that sways above loafers, sneakers, and ballet flats.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
That sways decisions from time-to-time.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Coogan stretches his massive wingspan and sways to the music as the on-air countdown ticks toward zero.
—Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 8 Jan. 2026
As the two hugged, Hayley flashed a strip of sonogram photos at the camera as the couple smiles and sways in the sunlight.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
From leathery leaves to porcupine-like seedheads to foliage that sways gracefully, perennials offer all kinds of engaging winter interest.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025
Winter’s vocal presence imagines a fearless indie oddball like Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus going for the full prattling gusto of the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger; the band tussles and sways exhilaratingly underfoot.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sways
Noun
-
Linder, a former teacher, doesn't work anymore due to a host of medical issues — including treatment for a brain tumor and its effects, and Parkinsonism, a neurological disorder that causes Parkinson's-like symptoms.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The event will enable children ages 9-12 to explore optical illusions by experimenting with magnifying glasses and mirrors to bend light, create effects and use Oculus Quest VR headsets to brew potions, mix chemistry compounds and conjure creations.—
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Grey Orchard Modern American cuisine with Asian influences.—
Claire Osborn,
Austin American Statesman,
28 Feb. 2026
-
But the show finds a unique voice fast, revealing a sense of humor that is gentler than that of its influences and unusually nuanced in its take on suburban secrets.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These mandates, which include price and profit controls and stringent minimum fuel inventory requirements, are also why so many refineries are closing shop in the Golden State.—
Wayne Winegarden,
Oc Register,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The digital pressure cookers have a six-quart capacity, stainless steel and black plastic finishes, a pressure lid, a digital temperature and function display, and button controls.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Our work has documented how lack of access to accurate and affirming identification documents affects the health and well-being of this community.—
Noelle Martin,
The Conversation,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Of course this affects his finances, and his ability to buy a home.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But Wembanyama is on the short list of MVP favorites as the league lurches toward the playoffs, a list that includes former NBA champions Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of OKC, Denver’s Nikola Jokic along with Detroit’s Cade Cunningham and Los Angeles’ Luka Doncic.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Feb. 2026
-
After a moment of hesitation, Harington lurches forward and plants a passionate kiss on Turner, who responds in kind.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
United States law governs this Contest.—
CBS News Philadelphia Staff,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
On March 10, Tempe residents will have their say on three City Council seats, but more is at stake in this year's campaign than who governs the traditionally liberal city.—
Lauren De Young,
AZCentral.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There are also other key caveats to consider, such as a strong dependence on cloud microphysics (given cloud seeding only works on existing clouds), problems with attribution and potential geopolitical and legal issues regarding downwind impacts, Francis said.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Then, the proposal was based in part on a report authored by five climate contrarians that questioned the threatof climate impacts like wildfires, extreme heat and stronger storms.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
OneTeam Partners negotiates media deals and leverages players’ name, image and licensing rights.—
David Carrillo Peñaloza,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Vance Joseph’s defense in Denver is often predicated on playing certain leverages within man coverage.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sways.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sways. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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