power 1 of 2

1
2
3
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

Examples of power in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Stagecraft and the power of political photographs With the invention of photography came a new way to view, mythologize and remember the nation's presidents. David Morgan, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2024 Such acts could seize on the power of the primacy effect. Peter Suciu, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
The performance perhaps helped power the Mets, who were facing elimination, to a 12-6 victory over the Dodgers, forcing a Game 6 and a return to Los Angeles. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024 The watch is paired with Rolex’s iconic President bracelet and is powered by the Calibre 3255 movement that boasts a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day in terms of its accuracy. Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for power 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'power.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near power

Cite this Entry

“Power.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/power. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on power

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!