power 1 of 2

noun

ˈpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce power (audio)
Definition of powernext
1
as in control
the right or means to command or control others the emir has nearly complete power over the emirate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in energy
the ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task the corporation has the power to accomplish almost anything you'll need to build a bit more power in order to be a star pitcher

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in faculty
a natural ability of the mind or body dogs have a very highly developed power of smell

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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

as in to fuel

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Moreover, after years of shrinking congressional power, the public seemed undisturbed. —David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025 For example, there’s quite a bit more power on tap than in the outgoing M5. —Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
The fluted bezel complements the vibrant dial, integrating dual time zone functionality and an annual calendar powered by the Calibre 9001 movement. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025 This year, eligible registrants will be automatically entered into the Bike Anywhere Day Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three e-bikes, powered by Rad Power Bikes. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for power
Recent Examples of Synonyms for power
  1. control
  2. energy
  3. faculty
  4. fuel
  5. push
  6. dominion
  7. strength
  8. capability
Noun
  • The Accord spun out of control, striking another vehicle, a 2019 Toyota Highlander.
    — Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • Sodium-iron batteries are also durable, can operate and be safely shipped in any climate, pose low fire risks, and promise between 6-24 hours of energy storage.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Just four weeks ago, Granby filed suit against the council for authorizing Key Capture Energy’s plan for a 5-megawatt battery energy storage facility not far from the Salmon Brook; the town contends the council didn’t give enough weight to evidence of environmental and safety hazards.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of energy
Noun
  • The American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers, representing members of Columbia’s faculty, filed a lawsuit Tuesday saying the funding revocation violated free speech laws.
    — Philip Marcelo, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The university’s decision to accede to nearly all of the Trump administration’s demands outraged some faculty members, who say Columbia has sacrificed academic freedom.
    — Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • The urgent warnings advised residents to avoid burning anything outdoors, as a combination of high winds, low humidity and an abundance of dry fuels could lead to explosive wildfire growth.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Relief efforts are further hampered by power outages, fuel shortages and spotty communications.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of fuel
Verb
  • Are Puerto Rican filmmakers pushing for this to change?
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
  • But a significant portion of the rising demand came from high temperatures—particularly heat waves in India and China—that pushed consumers and businesses to crank up air conditioning.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of push
Noun
  • Historically, imperialist leaders have used military conquest, economic coercion or diplomatic pressure to expand their dominions, and justified their foreign incursions as civilizing missions, economic opportunities or national security imperatives.
    — Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Kanye West goes on another antisemitic rant, defends Diddy, declares ‘dominion’ over wife.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025
Definition of dominion
Noun
  • Auburn has reached its second national semifinal ever, off the strength of unanimous All-American big Johni Broome and the cadre of good shooters in his orbit.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Dwyer has the speed to take the top off of defenses, but his hand strength has also been impressive.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of strength
Noun
  • Plugging in a power strip with surge protection capabilities is an easy way to protect your electronics from these harmful surges.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Many of China’s technologies built for civilian purposes are being built with dual-use capabilities, with an eye toward using them in an invasion of Taiwan.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of capability

Phrases Containing power

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powdery
power
powerboat
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Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on power

Nglish: Translation of power for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about power

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