power 1 of 2

noun

ˈpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce power (audio)
Definition of powernext
1
as in control
the right or means to command or control others the emir has nearly complete power over the emirate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in energy
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task the corporation has the power to accomplish almost anything you'll need to build a bit more power in order to be a star pitcher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in faculty
a natural ability of the mind or body dogs have a very highly developed power of smell

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in fuel
something with a usable capacity for doing work nuclear power

Synonyms & Similar Words

power

2 of 2

verb

as in to fuel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun power contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of power are authority, command, control, dominion, jurisdiction, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When can authority be used instead of power?

Although the words authority and power have much in common, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

When might command be a better fit than power?

While in some cases nearly identical to power, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When would control be a good substitute for power?

The meanings of control and power largely overlap; however, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

In what contexts can dominion take the place of power?

The words dominion and power are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When could jurisdiction be used to replace power?

The synonyms jurisdiction and power are sometimes interchangeable, but jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

Where would sway be a reasonable alternative to power?

In some situations, the words sway and power are roughly equivalent. However, 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 power
Noun
Moreover, after years of shrinking congressional power, the public seemed undisturbed. —David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025 For example, there’s quite a bit more power on tap than in the outgoing M5. —Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
The fluted bezel complements the vibrant dial, integrating dual time zone functionality and an annual calendar powered by the Calibre 9001 movement. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025 This year, eligible registrants will be automatically entered into the Bike Anywhere Day Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three e-bikes, powered by Rad Power Bikes. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power
Recent Examples of Synonyms for power
  1. control
  2. energy
  3. faculty
  4. fuel
  5. push
  6. dominion
  7. strength
  8. capability
Noun
  • There is also the underlying issue of whether a crypto investor uses a third party for custody at all, or maintains total custody and trading control over their holdings.
    — Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The resolution is capped, and the controls seem slow and laggy by modern standards.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • Tuesday's vote could be the first measure of Trump's popularity and Democrats' energy after the election five months ago.
    — The NPR Network, NPR, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Silver was the real business of Tombstone, and the focus of its energies and attention.
    — Richard Grant, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of energy
Noun
  • At college campuses across the country, administrators and faculty members have expressed concern about students’ ability to share their opinions without risking their legal status.
    — Ana Ley, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Student and faculty unions have emerged at the forefront of new resistance to the Trump administration, both in the streets and in court.
    — Hanna Park, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • The urgent warnings advised residents to avoid burning anything outdoors, as a combination of high winds, low humidity and an abundance of dry fuels could lead to explosive wildfire growth.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Relief efforts are further hampered by power outages, fuel shortages and spotty communications.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of fuel
Verb
  • Are Puerto Rican filmmakers pushing for this to change?
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
  • There are ways to push back against the horrors, but even the most ardent activist among us can’t be protesting 24/7.
    — James Factora, Them., 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of push
Noun
  • Historically, imperialist leaders have used military conquest, economic coercion or diplomatic pressure to expand their dominions, and justified their foreign incursions as civilizing missions, economic opportunities or national security imperatives.
    — Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Kanye West goes on another antisemitic rant, defends Diddy, declares ‘dominion’ over wife.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025
Definition of dominion
Noun
  • Auburn has reached its second national semifinal ever, off the strength of unanimous All-American big Johni Broome and the cadre of good shooters in his orbit.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • So, in a different situation our strengths might be perceived as problematic.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of strength
Noun
  • Plugging in a power strip with surge protection capabilities is an easy way to protect your electronics from these harmful surges.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Despite his proven capabilities, Strickland's title run was relatively brief, serving as a catalyst for Bryan Danielson's subsequent feud with Jon Moxley.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of capability

Phrases Containing power

Browse Nearby Words

powdery
power
powerboat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on power

Nglish: Translation of power for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about power

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular

See More

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All