power 1 of 2

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2
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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
An ‘unprecedented power grab’ As the unrest continues to percolate on the street level, city and state officials have taken the fight to the Oval Office via the airwaves and social media, culminating in the second California lawsuit against the Trump administration in a matter of months. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 10 June 2025 And in Harlem, stars gathered at the Apollo Theater for its 2025 Spring Benefit, rounding out a week filled with excellence, elegance, and undeniable Black star power. Okla Jones, Essence, 10 June 2025
Verb
At 43, this might look like a driver nearing the twilight of his career; the undeniable talent behind the wheel that powered him to two world titles, and within a handful of points of another three, finally starting to wane. Luke Smith, New York Times, 31 May 2025 Meanwhile, Blue Origin inked a deal with United Launch Alliance to supply a version of its New Glenn main engine to power that company's Vulcan rocket. ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for power
Recent Examples of Synonyms for power
Noun
  • For one, China controls the separation and refining equipment market and placed export controls on those technologies in December 2023.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 June 2025
  • Through these House rules, the speaker wields nearly absolute control over the legislative process.
    Matt Paprocki, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • From turning her songs into sing-a-longs to taking a singing selfie video on a fan’s phone, the energy in the room reached another level.
    Evan Burke, Billboard, 10 June 2025
  • Known for their unmatched energy and vibe, the Super Lounges bring audiences deeper into the music, delivering raw, unforgettable sets in a more personal setting.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Mind you, the membership of the Association for Asian American Studies (AAAS) is maybe a thousand higher-ed faculty and graduate students from across the humanities and social sciences.
    erin Khuê Ninh June 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025
  • The Daily Northwestern, however, reported that only one Palestinian faculty member is currently a visiting scholar.
    Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Alabama’s approach is a strong example of how strategic collaboration can drive job creation and fuel long-term economic growth.
    Melissa Loble, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • But domestic production of the mineral, which is primarily used as fuel for nuclear reactors, has since fallen off a cliff.
    Magdalena Petrova, CNBC, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Video footage from the incident showed Padilla pushed to the ground and handcuffed outside the door while attempting to speak to Noem during the conference.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • On Tuesday, staffers of the agency issued a statement to push for Corrêa's resignation.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • It’s set in an empty warehouse loft, with light shooting through propeller fans (very Adrian Lyne), and with Miley, in her primal assertion of feminine dominion, joined by Naomi Campbell, the two of them obliterating the need for anyone else.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 June 2025
  • Her Miami appearance echoed many familiar themes, preaching about God’s dominion and transforming American values and culture.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Oh talked about her star turn on Grey’s Anatomy before urging Dartmouth graduates to find inner strength and kindness towards themselves to overcome discomfort in their own lives.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
  • For me, one of his strengths his draft year was his ability to forecheck.
    Joe Smith, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Building a highly connected organization where roadmaps are reflective of broader cross-functional requirements is necessary to deliver capabilities faster and with quality. - Mo Trezies, Euna Solutions 18.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Musk and his fans on Wall Street are convinced that Tesla will soon explode in value due to its AV capabilities and future robotaxi service, largely because self-driving robotaxis can operate more hours in a day than human driver.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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