control 1 of 2

noun

Definition of controlnext
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in power
the right or means to command or control others teachers are responsible for the students under their control

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

control

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈtrōl How to pronounce control (audio)
1
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) you must learn to control your temper

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
3
as in to govern
to exercise authority or power over circumstances often control the choices we make in life

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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

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

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 control
Noun
According to the agencies, the GRU hackers also carried out reconnaissance of the network of at least one producer of industrial control system components for railway systems—suggesting a possible intention to attempt sabotage—but didn’t actually succeed in breaching the company. —Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 24 May 2025 This underscores that communication in abusive relationships can escalate the situation, particularly when the core issue is power and control, not miscommunication. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
The name is a riff on Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, from the X-Men, where Professor X teaches mutants, who are discriminated against by humans for being different, to control their powers. —Sean Clancy, Arkansas Online, 22 May 2025 This language is shorthand for Kyiv agreeing to permanent neutrality in return for a security guarantee and accepting that Russia controls swathes of Ukraine. —Tom Balmforth, USA Today, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for control
Recent Examples of Synonyms for control
  1. controller
  2. management
  3. power
  4. regulate
  5. contain
  6. govern
  7. manage
  8. regulator
Noun
  • Snake Eater unsurprisingly features full gamepad support for DualShock and Xbox controllers.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025
  • For the data driven, the controller also displays live riding metrics on its 2.4-inch screen such as speed, distance to shore and session duration.
    — Paul Ridden May 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2025
Definition of controller
Noun
  • Leveraging a robust background in HR leadership, Josh previously directed transformative talent practices at Red Ventures as vice president of people operations, leading talent management, HR business partner, talent acquisition, and M&A integration during his tenure.
    — Josh Tarr, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • The project still needs to be reviewed by the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the two agencies responsible for Everglades restoration and water management in South Florida.
    — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Definition of management
Noun
  • While others chase fleeting trends or seek instant results, those who understand and leverage the power of patience may be able to secure more consistent, sustainable and rewarding investments.
    — Rodolfo Delgado, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Sandman With the power to control and transform into sand, Sandman (his real name is Flint Marko) is a tough opponent for Spidey and his friends.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 May 2025
Definition of power
Verb
  • This process helps us self-audit, regulate our practices and identify areas for improvement.
    — Geoff Scott, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Carr has pushed companies regulated by the FCC to do the same, resulting in Verizon and T-Mobile dropping DEI programs in order to secure approval for mergers that required the FCC's sign-off.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2025
Definition of regulate
Verb
  • This post contains spoilers for The Rehearsal Season 2 finale.
    — Megan McCluskey, Time, 26 May 2025
  • The Gold Bond Defense Stick contains ingredients that not only help prevent friction but also soothe the skin, such as aloe.
    — Katrina Cossey, Parents, 26 May 2025
Definition of contain
Verb
  • Those organizations want to police themselves, and have gone so far as to have a meeting earlier this year to lay down the rules to the NCAA at how that organization will govern those two top leagues.
    — Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025
  • Your submission will be governed by our general Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 May 2025
Definition of govern
Verb
  • The city must manage costs — as difficult as that is to do politically — rather than searching for new ways to increase taxes.
    — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • Your role in the economy could move from direct labor, to managing AI systems like the CEO of a company manages their direct reports, to steering the direction of AI systems working for you like a company board weighing in on long-term direction.
    — Luke Drago, Time, 30 May 2025
Definition of manage
Noun
  • Brands’ approach to data has changed thanks to growing concern by consumers and regulators about privacy, security and the corresponding decline of third-party cookies.
    — Acxiom Contributor, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The deal will allow the company to avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly misleading U.S. regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before the crashes, according to court papers filed Friday.
    — Alain Sherter, CBS News, 23 May 2025
Definition of regulator

Browse Nearby Words

contriving
control
controllable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Control.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/control. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on control

Nglish: Translation of control for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about control

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