Synonyms of control

control 1 of 2

noun

1

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

• controller
• regulator
• switch
• selector
• lever
• knob
• actuator
• button
• key
• dial
• push button

2

as in hand(s)

the ability to direct the course of something

after the tail fell off, the plane went out of the pilot's control

firefighters keeping control of the blaze

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hand(s)
• grasp
• direction
• power
• hold
• arm
• helm
• management
• command
• grip
• dominion
• mastery
• clutch
• government
• domination
• operation
• jurisdiction
• sway
• running
• administration
• regulation
• supervision
• governance
• authority
• guidance
• might
• oversight
• superintendence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• powerlessness
• impotency

3

as in management

the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something

control of manufacturing operations was given to a new manager with fresh ideas

Synonyms & Similar Words

• management
• handling
• operation
• supervision
• administration
• direction
• government
• oversight
• stewardship
• governance
• regulation
• guidance
• leadership
• presidency
• charge
• running
• conduct
• care
• superintendence
• superintendency
• custody
• intendance
• protection
• manipulation
• agency
• logistics
• engineering
• keeping
• trust
• guardianship
• rulership
• safekeeping
• lap
• ward
• generalship
• tutelage
• aegis
• machination
• codirection
• comanagement
• egis
• coadministration

4

as in hands

the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal

took control of the process of selecting candidates for the scholarship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hands
• enjoyment
• possession
• keeping
• ownership
• power
• dominion
• retention
• mastery
• proprietorship
• command
• procurement
• authority
• claiming
• confiscation
• repossession
• commandeering
• collaring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relinquishment
• surrendering
• dispossession
• nonpossession
• transferal

5

as in power

the right or means to command or control others

teachers are responsible for the students under their control

Synonyms & Similar Words

• power
• dominion
• sway
• reign
• authority
• grip
• command
• influence
• arm
• sovereignty
• jurisdiction
• mastery
• clutch
• rein(s)
• dominance
• death grip
• management
• hold
• privilege
• leverage
• voice
• pull
• clout
• direction
• right
• supremacy
• prerogative
• weight
• importance
• predominance
• sovranty
• imperium
• moment
• eminence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impotence
• powerlessness
• weakness
• helplessness
• impotency

control

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈtrōl 

1

as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

you must learn to control your temper

Synonyms & Similar Words

• regulate
• keep
• contain
• curb
• restrain
• measure
• suppress
• govern
• tame
• stifle
• hold
• check
• rule
• constrain
• inhibit
• stop
• pull in
• bridle
• interrupt
• rein (in)
• swallow
• choke (back)
• repress
• hold back
• smother
• hinder
• block
• impede
• strangle
• arrest
• squelch
• sink
• hamper
• silence
• obstruct
• pocket
• muffle
• mince
• bottle (up)
• muzzle
• handcuff
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• liberate
• loosen
• loose
• express
• take out
• vent
• unleash
• air

2

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

• contain
• compose
• calm
• restrain
• collect
• re-collect
• settle
• recover
• hold back
• rally
• quiet
• lull
• soothe
• still
• tranquilize
• tranquillize

3

as in to govern

to exercise authority or power over

circumstances often control the choices we make in life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• govern
• rule
• dominate
• dictate
• manage
• command
• sway
• boss
• preside (over)
• domineer
• regulate
• oversee
• lead
• administer
• captain
• supervise
• conduct
• direct
• master
• head
• micromanage
• conquer
• oppress
• superintend
• lord (it over)
• subjugate
• reign (over)
• subdue
• tyrannize

4

as in to manage

to look after and make decisions about

during the period that she controlled the company it was highly profitable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• manage
• operate
• supervise
• regulate
• oversee
• handle
• govern
• conduct
• run
• keep
• direct
• protect
• guide
• administer
• tend
• carry on
• administrate
• preside (over)
• steer
• watch over
• overlook
• steward
• superintend
• lead
• watch
• safeguard
• care (for)
• guard
• pilot
• mind
• micromanage
• stage-manage
• comanage
• codirect

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

Recent Examples of control

Noun

But lawmakers in different countries exercise different degrees of political control. —Ana Carolina Garriga, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025

The circular plinth appears to float above a speaker base that hosts controls, and is made from a translucent material (perhaps acrylic) that allows the lighting within to dance to the sounds coming from the vinyl spinning on the equally visual platter. —New Atlas, 18 Apr. 2025

Verb

Finding new ways to control blood sugar was the perfect test case. —Alice Park, Time, 17 Apr. 2025

One of the Duke's core beliefs is that the stripping of security was a calculated attempt to control him and Meghan in a bid to deter them from stepping away from royal life and starting a new chapter outside the U.K. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? —Simon Perry, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025