jurisdiction

noun

ˌju̇r-əs-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce jurisdiction (audio)
Definition of jurisdictionnext
as in government
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation) the United States has no jurisdiction over Cuba

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun jurisdiction contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of jurisdiction are authority, command, control, dominion, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

In what contexts can authority take the place of jurisdiction?

The words authority and jurisdiction can be used in similar contexts, but authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

When can command be used instead of jurisdiction?

The synonyms command and jurisdiction are sometimes interchangeable, but command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When might control be a better fit than jurisdiction?

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

you are responsible for the students under your control

When is it sensible to use dominion instead of jurisdiction?

While the synonyms dominion and jurisdiction are close in meaning, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When is power a more appropriate choice than jurisdiction?

While in some cases nearly identical to jurisdiction, power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When would sway be a good substitute for jurisdiction?

Although the words sway and jurisdiction have much in common, 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 jurisdiction To establish diversity jurisdiction, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the amount of money at stake is at least $75,000. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025 California, of course, doesn’t have jurisdiction over the Philippines. —Josiah Neeley, Oc Register, 21 May 2025 Those not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. states — and thus ineligible for citizenship — are, for example, children of diplomats living in the U.S. —Thomas Wenski, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2025 Further, states such as Texas and Florida that have passed laws banning local jurisdictions from enacting heat safety regulations must reverse course. —The Editors, Scientific American, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
  1. government
  2. rule
  3. governance
  4. administration
Noun
  • But Trump’s second term has upended the relationship between higher education and the federal government.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • And ultimately, immigration attorneys say, the government makes mistakes.
    — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 1 June 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • Eventually – inevitably – a recession will occur, but the huge 2022-2024 inversion will not have predicted it by the traditional rules of interpretation.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Older people were hit the hardest socially by COVID rules that limited or barred visits from family and friends.
    — Joshua Zatulskis, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • The school filed a lawsuit April 21 over the administration’s calls for changes to the university’s leadership, governance and admissions policies.
    — Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
  • But companies are adding new risk disclosures in response to the intense political divide over corporate efforts to increase diversity in the workplace, promote LGBTQ rights and slow down climate change, corporate governance and risk management researchers say.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
Definition of governance
Noun
  • But for now the Republican administration can simply stop spending the money.
    — Barbara Ortutay, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • As for the main part of the package, the administration will try to claim victory for the working class on the basis of the fulfillment of Trump’s promise to axe taxes on tips and overtime.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
Definition of administration

Browse Nearby Words

jurisconsults
jurisdiction
jurisdictions
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Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jurisdiction

Nglish: Translation of jurisdiction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jurisdiction

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