power 1 of 2

1
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
The new rules, which also target rare earth minerals used to produce advanced semiconductors, could also put a pause on the global boom in artificial intelligence, which counts on these chips to power its training. John Liu, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025 REEVs use power from the battery to power the vehicle forward. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
The crowd held the power to choose who advanced—an energy that made every beat a suspenseful moment. Okla Jones, Essence, 28 Oct. 2025 WellSense’s FiberLine Intervention Conveyance System (FliCS) uses jet propulsion and battery power to deploy bare fiber rapidly into complex, highly deviated wells. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power
Recent Examples of Synonyms for power
Noun
  • Johnson reportedly regained control of the vehicle and attempted to flee again, but police executed a ramming technique, known as a tactical vehicle intervention, to disable the vehicle, the release says.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Deandre Ayton contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, and while those three provided the offensive spark, the defensive energy from Marcus Smart off the bench and Jarred Vanderbilt proved to be a game-changer, as both players recorded two steals apiece.
    Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Gunterman is immersed in local student journalism as the executive director of the Indiana High School Press Association and the faculty adviser of Franklin College's student newspaper.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Some messages warn of a sudden campus illness outbreak, creating a sense of urgency, while others claim that a faculty member is under investigation, prompting recipients to check documents immediately.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Overall, the inflation data likely add fuel to expectations that the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates by another quarter percentage point at its policy meeting later this month - its second consecutive cut.
    NPR, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Daylight saving time was introduced in the United States in 1918 with the Standard Time Act, which was meant to lower fuel costs during the First World War.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Altria The parent company of tobacco brand Marlboro and one of the country’s largest tobacco firms has pushed for less FDA oversight of e-cigarettes.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • As Lloyd Kelly passes to Andrea Cambiaso, Valverde pushes up from right-back while Jude Bellingham and Tchouameni track Teun Koopmeiners and Khephren Thuram.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But what kind of democracy could that system be, which perpetuated colonial dominion by securing all the key elements to benefit France: the monetary system, foreign affairs, education, business, and much more.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2025
  • In exchange for some $200 million per season, NBC and Peacock will assume dominion over the Sunday Night Baseball package from which ESPN uncoupled itself in February.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With its investments in AI infrastructure and obvious strengths on the power front, this is a country that is building out data centers and positioning itself as a hub for AI, entertainment, sports, finance, high-tech manufacturing and more.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Castelion claims that its mission is rooted in the belief that freedom must be actively protected – through technological strength, strategic clarity, and national resolve.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The contracts are a significant step in broadening the hypersonic weapon options for the Pentagon which seeks to field more affordable strike capabilities, reported The Jerusalem Post.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Now the best offense in the league rolls into town, and Denver’s own offense hasn’t quite shown the consistent capability to win in a shootout (last Sunday notwithstanding).
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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