Synonyms of sway

sway 1 of 2

noun

ˈswā 

1

as in influence

the power to bring about a result on another

under the sway of euphoria, she offered to take us all out to dinner in celebration of her new job

Synonyms & Similar Words

• influence
• effect
• impact
• consequence
• repercussion
• pull
• prestige
• mark
• weight
• importance
• dominion
• clout
• domination
• authority
• significance
• mastery
• command
• sovereignty
• supremacy
• sovranty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• powerlessness
• impotency

2

as in leverage

the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly

outdated attitudes that still hold sway in some communities

Synonyms & Similar Words

• influence
• leverage
• authority
• weight
• pull
• credit
• in
• clout
• importance
• juice
• heft
• dominance
• impression
• impress
• impact
• reign
• dominion
• moment
• sovereignty
• predominance
• supremacy
• mastery
• counterinfluence
• command
• consequence
• eminence
• sovranty
• scepter
• imprint
• mark

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• powerlessness
• impotency

3

as in power

the right or means to command or control others

a time when Rome held sway over a vast empire that stretched from Britain to the Near East

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impotence
• powerlessness
• weakness
• helplessness
• impotency

sway

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to influence

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response

how can you not be swayed by that precious kitten, meowing as if to say, "Please take me home with you?"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• influence
• affect
• impress
• impact
• touch
• strike
• reach
• inspire
• tell (on)
• move
• interest
• get to
• involve
• bother
• attract
• disturb
• entrance
• bias
• dazzle
• penetrate
• fascinate
• stir
• worry
• concern
• carry away
• engage
• try
• transport
• enrapture
• enthral
• upset
• trouble
• plague
• harass
• enthrall
• distress
• discomfort
• pierce
• afflict
• charm
• ravish
• smite
• stress
• color
• perturb
• agitate
• enchant
• captivate
• wring
• disquiet
• pester
• fluster
• discompose
• bewitch
• allure
• harry
• strain

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• weary
• pall
• tire
• jade
• underwhelm

2

as in to lurch

to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions

the way the ski lift was swaying in the wind made me nervous

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lurch
• shake
• rock
• toss
• roll
• halt
• vibrate
• jerk
• wobble
• careen
• wabble
• tumble
• falter
• waver
• vacillate
• pitch
• weave
• seesaw
• stagger
• totter
• stumble
• hobble
• reel
• toddle
• oscillate
• undulate
• hitch
• waddle
• jolt
• buck
• flounder
• blunder
• teeter
• wag
• waggle
• dodder

3

as in to govern

archaic to exercise authority or power over

an epic novel set in the days when Rome swayed the Western world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sway contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sway are authority, command, control, dominion, jurisdiction, and power. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

When can authority be used instead of sway?

The meanings of authority and sway largely overlap; however, 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 sway?

While in some cases nearly identical to sway, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When would control be a good substitute for sway?

In some situations, the words control and sway are roughly equivalent. However, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When could dominion be used to replace sway?

The synonyms dominion and sway are sometimes interchangeable, but dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When is jurisdiction a more appropriate choice than sway?

The words jurisdiction and sway are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

When is it sensible to use power instead of sway?

The words power and sway can be used in similar contexts, but power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sway

Noun

Western nations that traditionally held sway in the region have become increasingly concerned about China’s plans to increase influence after Beijing signed defense, trade and financial deals with Pacific countries in the last three years. —Reuters, NBC News, 18 Feb. 2025

According to Stand With Crypto, nearly 300 pro-crypto lawmakers comprise the House and Senate this session, giving the industry unprecedented sway over the legislative agenda. —Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025

Verb

Netanyahu's comments at a military graduation led to new concerns over the Israeli presence, and sway, in a swath of southern Syria as Damascus' new leaders attempt to consolidate control after years of civil war. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 24 Feb. 2025

Thus lynch law held sway in the far West until civilization spread into the Territories and the orderly processes of law took its place. —Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025