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

The Great Jobs program gives folks the power to choose. —

J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 18 Jan. 2025 In Koena’s view, China’s policy of non-interference speaks to how different powers operate in Africa, with China focusing on economics and Russia on security. —

Nimi Princewill, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025

Verb

All 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster powered the rocket to a nominal ascent. —

Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 The first stage is powered by seven methane-burning BE-4 engines—a cleaner fuel than the kerosene used in the Falcon 9. —

Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for power

Recent Examples of Synonyms for power

Noun

Also, like the latter, rear seat passengers now have their own 8in panel with games and multimedia capabilities, as well as separate control over their own climate settings.

— James Morris, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Strengthen direct-to-consumer channels: Shifting focus toward DTC sales gives brands more control over their margins while avoiding retail distribution delays.

— Lyric Christian, Essence, 24 Jan. 2025