control 1 of 2

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as in controller
a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system the controls for the player are well marked

Synonyms & Similar Words

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control

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verb

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as in to contain
to gain emotional or mental control of he controlled himself only with the greatest difficulty in the face of his opponent's insulting remarks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun control contrast with its synonyms?

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

you are responsible for the students under your control

When can authority be used instead of control?

While in some cases nearly identical to control, 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 control?

The words command and control are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When is dominion a more appropriate choice than control?

Although the words dominion and control have much in common, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

Where would jurisdiction be a reasonable alternative to control?

The meanings of jurisdiction and control largely overlap; however, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

When would power be a good substitute for control?

In some situations, the words power and control are roughly equivalent. However, power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When might sway be a better fit than control?

While the synonyms sway and control are close in meaning, sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

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 control
Noun
Instead, the accident was the most significant technical setback for the Starship program since the first full-scale test flight in 2023, which damaged the launch pad before the rocket spun out of control in the upper atmosphere. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 1 Mar. 2025 Brooklyn also reacquired control of its 2025 and 2026 first-round picks from the Houston Rockets over the summer — a move that seemed to indicate the Nets expected to be picking high. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
By the end of the 1970s, Mr. Coffee controlled fully half of the American coffee maker market. Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025 By Rebecca Schneid February 28, 2025 10:35 AM EST U.S. consumers have been encouraged to participate in a 24-hour buying boycott today, targeting all economic activity—especially major retailers—as a way to show politicians that everyday consumers can control the economy. Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for control
Noun
  • Those benefits can range from the tangible (e.g., an improved controller, better graphics performance) to the ancillary (e.g., social features, achievements) to the downright weird (e.g., a second screen on a portable).
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Using a regular controller, players can control a tiny digital ship, firing nanoscale bullets to push around a physical polystyrene ball just a few microns wide.
    Michael Irving, New Atlas, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This position is responsible for infrastructure management, support, and troubleshooting, as well as supporting hardware, software, networking and third-party products.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
  • There is absolute alignment on the board and with management.
    Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • That power is vested in prosecutors as executive branch officials.
    Michael Rothfeld, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Her lung power seems surprisingly undiminished, and the same goes for her sense of pitch.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The red states allege that the claims pending in state court seek to regulate activity outside of the blue states' borders and involve an area governed by federal law.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • In contrast, when a person feels emotionally validated, their nervous system remains regulated and open to connection, reinforcing trust and intimacy.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Most drugstore shampoos contain harsh ingredients that dry out the scalp.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Many soaps contain yet more chemicals that have nothing to do with cleaning and everything to do with creating a fragrant facade of cleanliness.
    Matt Fuchs, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Representatives from the five national governing bodies (NGBs) will convene at least every two weeks.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • There’s no national governing body for swim instructors.
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What's most impressive about this feat is that Tecno still managed to put a 5,200mAh battery inside the phone.
    Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Netanyahu, for his part, managed to survive beyond both of those presidencies and is still very much on the political scene today.
    Tevi Troy, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The bank was still fined $136 million by regulators last year for not making enough progress on the improvements.
    Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Federal and state environmental regulators suspected the Chiquita Canyon reaction was caused by oxygen intrusion.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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