power 1 of 2

1
2
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

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
Policy analysts have expressed their doubts that Trump would have enough power as president to influence the global oil market. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
The observations also contain a small sample of quasars, the bright hearts of active galaxies powered by feeding supermassive black holes, which, because of their incredible luminosity, can be seen even further away. Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025 ThredUp has already taken advantage of the opportunity to implement systems powered by artificial intelligence in an effort to help consumers do just that. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power
Recent Examples of Synonyms for power
Noun
  • The Accord spun out of control, striking another vehicle, a 2019 Toyota Highlander.
    Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In a Wednesday call, the leaders discussed a partial ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine that would involve both countries refraining from attacking the other's energy infrastructure, including nuclear power plants and oil refineries.
    Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The world needs energy projects given its growing needs.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The university’s decision to accede to nearly all of the Trump administration’s demands outraged some faculty members, who say Columbia has sacrificed academic freedom.
    Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers, representing members of Columbia’s faculty, filed a lawsuit Tuesday saying the funding revocation violated free speech laws.
    Philip Marcelo, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Their disruption of this critical shipping route — which raises fuel, freight, and insurance costs, contributing to global inflation — adds to the urgency for U.S. action.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
  • From the cost of racing cars, tires, and fuel to training, track access, and travel, the financial barrier is huge.
    Jenn Nelson, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
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
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
Noun
  • Agam’s absence left a gaping hole in her family, but her siblings carried her strength.
    Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Haidt then gave us the helpful analogy of the emotional elephant for System 1 and the rational rider for System 2, illustrating that the enormity and strength of the elephant suggest that when the elephant and rider are in conflict, the elephant always wins.
    Tim Maurer, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But judging episodic memory capabilities is more difficult when there’s a pretty obvious communication barrier between adults and a bunch of babies.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 Mar. 2025
  • There are three core capabilities that contribute to the ability to influence decision-making and change, empowering you to leverage this powerful skill in your professional journey: 1.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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