controlling

adjective

con·​trol·​ling kən-ˈtrō-liŋ How to pronounce controlling (audio)
: inclined to control others' behavior : domineering

Examples of controlling in a Sentence

She is very strict and controlling. The larger bank remained the controlling party when it took over the smaller banks. He paid over 40 million dollars for a controlling interest in the company.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Cost-Inflicting: A Punitive Preventative Measure The converse of benefit-provisioning would be cost-inflicting behavior: where jealousy pushes you to become more controlling, punitive or manipulative. Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 They have long since been known to be very controlling with video footage from tournament play. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 His controlling behavior has nothing to do with you and everything to do with his own insecurities. Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2025 Last July, Belk unloaded more than $950 million in debt and gave some lenders more controlling interests in the company. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for controlling

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of controlling was in 1974

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Controlling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controlling. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

controlling

adjective
: tending to control the behavior of other people

Legal Definition

controlling

adjective
1
a
: exercising domination or influence
the controlling principles of law
b
: dispositive
judgment debtor's stipulation to pay a specified amount is not controllingJ. H. Friedenthal et al.
2
: having controlling interest
controlling shareholders

More from Merriam-Webster on controlling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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