POWER Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

power 1 of 2

noun

ˈpau̇(-ə)r

Definition of power next

as in control

the right or means to command or control others the emir has nearly complete power over the emirate

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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

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as in faculty

a natural ability of the mind or body dogs have a very highly developed power of smell

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as in fuel

something with a usable capacity for doing work nuclear power

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power

2 of 2

verb

as in to fuel

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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

Examples 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

Texas is generating by far the most electricity from wind power and is fast deploying battery energy storage. —

Ella Nilsen, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024 The government typically classifies border protection, medical care, air traffic control, law enforcement, and power grid maintenance as essential. —

Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Dec. 2024

Verb

Collectives tied to College Football Playoff contenders Penn State and Tennessee both launched content platforms in the last two years, and the media company powering those efforts—The College Sports Company—recently raised $5 million from investors to expand the model across the country. —

Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 Dec. 2024 Tennessee is powered by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, whom some NFL scouts consider a potential future first-round NFL draft pick, and running back Dylan Sampson (1,485 yards, 22 touchdowns). —

Andrew Greif, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for power

Recent Examples of Synonyms for power

Noun

Although exerting absolute control over the PLA may not be possible, Xi has tried.

Sam Bresnick, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024
The Vikings were in full control against Green Bay until the Packers scored 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024