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 Additionally, the school board believes Tarrant County District Court, where the suit was filed, does not have subject matter jurisdiction. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025 Local jurisdictions now have 120 days to collect public input and enact ordinances implementing the new classifications. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 Like Santa Clara, Palo Alto also runs its own utility and is one of at least 2,000 jurisdictions to do so throughout the country. —Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2025 The builder’s remedy has become part of the state’s growing arsenal of laws to require local jurisdictions to provide more housing, especially for lower-income residents. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
  1. government
  2. rule
  3. governance
  4. administration
Noun
  • For example, many schools and institutions welcome lawyers to serve as guest lecturers in government and civics courses.
    — Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The junta’s sluggish response to the 2008 cyclone ramped up scrutiny of the military government at the time and placed pressure on it to change, eventually leading to the rise of a civilian government, albeit short-lived.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • Dunne’s Back-Pay Argument Dunne committed to LSU in 2017, four years before the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Interim rules went into effect.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • For 18 months, every discussion about Newcastle United’s transfer strategy has necessitated mention of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Climate shocks, conflict, deepening inequality, and shrinking aid flows have derailed progress, while fragmented governance and political short-termism have left the global food system dangerously exposed.
    — Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • And injecting chemicals into the stratosphere does present serious ethical and governance challenges.
    — Brett Simpson, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of governance
Noun
  • And the notion that the administration’s allies in Silicon Valley can quickly produce large numbers of nimble, affordable, and lethal next generation weapons that will give America a decisive edge should be treated with a large grain of salt.
    — William Hartung, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump administration appealed the order, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit denied it.
    — George Petras, USA Today, 7 Apr. 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 13 Apr. 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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