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
Andrew Tate also faces a civil suit there by four women, accusing him of rape and coercive control. Chris Lau, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025 The winner of the election will determine whether the court remains under liberal control or flips to a conservative majority. arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
England continued to control the game but the movement and skill required in wide areas was never quite there. Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025 And there was actually some good news this week from Florida, where the city of Miami backed off of trying to control what local arthouse O Cinema could show. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for control
Noun
  • The new Microsoft peripheral looks almost like a Wii nunchuk controller or the PlayStation Move Navigational Controller.
    Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The controller repeated the instructions, and this time the crew read them back correctly.
    Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Sullivan joined Athlete Advantage, a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) sports management company, as CEO in 2024.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Oh No — without the knowledge of the band’s management or their then-label, Capitol Records.
    Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Natural gas has the opportunity to compete with coal, diesel, and other inefficient power sources across the globe, delivering cleaner and cheaper power.
    Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The electric motors of the new limousine provide ample power with smooth delivery.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Aside from crime, the advisory spotlights the dangers around jet skiing and boating in the Bahamas, noting that the boating industry is not well regulated and some watercraft are not licensed, which has led to injury and death.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The Mood-Cognition Feedback Loop Beyond cognition, caffeine can also regulate mood.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Both medications contain benzocaine, while Orajel contains other active ingredients, including menthol and zinc chloride.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Florida must find a way to contain the highly productive frontcourt of Derik Queen and Julian Reese.
    Tobias Bass, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • After a four-year investigation, the governing body brought more than 100 charges against City, accusing them of different financial breaches, including falsely increasing revenue by inflating sponsorship agreements with associated parties to get around financial fair play (FFP) rules.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Any kind of responsible management would require unprecedented international cooperation, potentially including a new multinational body to govern geoengineering.
    Brett Simpson, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Advice for other state leaders on managing this moment in the energy revolution?
    Joan Michelson, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • He is known as one of Dallas’ notable criminal defenders and manages complex felony cases at both the state and federal levels.
    William Jones, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This transparency paradox suggests that rather than banning privacy-enhancing tools outright, regulators could explore solutions that balance individual privacy with oversight mechanisms designed to flag and track illicit activity.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • After the two former regulators finished urging lawmakers to back tougher consumer protection regulations, the Senate Judiciary Committee debated the hidden fees measure.
    Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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