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 The city sent representatives on fact-finding missions to surrounding jurisdictions, including Beverly Hills, to find out if technology like a real-time crime center and drone technology would make sense for Palm Springs. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025 Police chased Rogers through multiple jurisdictions in North Texas. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025 The boy is under the jurisdiction of juvenile court. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025 Our request was later expanded to include all 24 jurisdictions in Maryland. —Chris Papst, Baltimore Sun, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
  1. government
  2. rule
  3. governance
  4. administration
Noun
  • Congress, the branch of government the Founding Fathers placed first in the Constitution, is at a familiar crossroads.
    — Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
  • The federal government suggests adults get at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (or 0.36 per pound), which is 51 grams for a 140-pound woman who isn't pregnant or breastfeeding.
    — Reyna Gobel, NPR, 19 July 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • What if my neighbor doesn't follow Milwaukee's rules about weeds and grass?
    — Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • Her charges, as a rule, have been greatly comforted in their final moments.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Intriguingly, not one of the four, board member and former Deloitte CEO Cathy Engelbert has the best experience to push stronger governance.
    — Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • This tragic event, occurring just days before the Republican National Convention, sent ripples through the political landscape, reshaping the 2024 presidential election and the subsequent trajectory of American governance.
    — Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Definition of governance
Noun
  • The Evers administration deployed the National Guard to Kenosha the day before unrest erupted and doubled the deployment that day.
    — Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • But questions still remain about how the administration will determine whether models adhere to the principles.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Definition of administration

Browse Nearby Words

jurisconsults
jurisdiction
jurisdictions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 30 Jul. 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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