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 These developments occur amid Trump's consideration to move the USPS under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Department, a change that would place it directly under executive branch control. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 The bill also would prohibit jurisdictions from adding more restrictions beyond what current sanctuary law allows. —Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025 Jose Smith, former municipal attorney for the cities of Miami Beach and North Miami Beach, told the Miami Herald that police departments operate under the jurisdiction and authority of each city’s commission through the city manager. —Verónica Egui Brito and, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025 Attorneys for the federal government asked the judge overseeing the suit to dismiss the claims, stating that only the VA secretary has jurisdiction to decide disputes over award benefits and that the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear them. —Vernal Coleman, ProPublica, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
  1. government
  2. rule
  3. governance
  4. administration
Noun
  • Eyewitnesses have accused government supporters of carrying out execution-style killings and video footage has emerged of mass graves.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Read More: World Leaders React to Zelensky and Trump’s Oval Office Showdown If there are plans to cut defense spending Trump was asked about the Administration's plan to shrink the size of the federal government, a charge spearheaded by DOGE under the watchful eye of Musk.
    — Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • So who is responsible for actually enforcing existing conflict of interest rules where they can be applied?
    — Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
  • To compensate for stronger rules on fire-prone areas, county voters favored building more homes in higher-density urban areas, with 55% in support and 30% opposed.
    — Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Reforms on the table include how to give greater roles to women in the Catholic Church, including ordaining them as deacons, and the greater inclusion of laity in governance and decision making.
    — Christopher Lamb, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Still, in the midst of Nigeria’s political fragility — marked by coups, violence, and widespread distrust among citizens who protested bad governance again last summer — Rema is being strategic about his allegiances.
    — Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of governance
Noun
  • Singer-songwriter Majo Aguilar delivers an anthem of Mexican pride for all her paisanos, offering a message of resilience at a time when the immigrant community in the U.S. has been directly impacted by the Trump administration’s callous policies.
    — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Implicit in the administration’s actions are concerns about bloat and wastage of taxpayer money.
    — Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of administration

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Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 21 Mar. 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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