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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Dissimilar Words

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
Much still needs doing before the Klamath once again regains its health and powers the salmon, steelhead and lamprey stocks in the Pacific. —Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025 Among the projects will be the construction of data centers to help provide the enormous amounts of energy needed to power AI. —Jessica Riley, CBS News, 15 July 2025
Verb
The East Asian power provided air defense systems to the Balkan nation to help protect its airspace, raising concerns in the United States about Serbia's path toward European integration. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025 There was still power in the dining hall, which ran on a generator, and students would gather regularly at the same time each day to discuss the state of the roads. —Jessica Pishko, New Yorker, 15 July 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
  • Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    — Oli Gamp, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • The percentage indicates how much of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • The massive energy needs of the data centers required to run artificial intelligence (AI) operations have led Big Tech firms like Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta to buy electricity from preexisting nuclear power plants, push for reopening closed ones, and encourage the construction of new reactors.
    — Time, Time, 15 July 2025
  • The project is billed as the nation’s first utility-scale offshore wind energy project, providing enough energy for over 400,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts, while reducing carbon emissions by over 1.6 million tons a year.
    — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
Definition of energy
Noun
  • Nance plans to remain a member of the School of Law's faculty through December 2026, according to Lyndsay Bradshaw, UA's assistant director of executive communications.
    — Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2025
  • Such a mentality shifts the roles of faculty, staff, athletic coaches, students, and could even enhance the function of higher education.
    — Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • Depending on the membership level, members can get free delivery, 2X fuel points and savings on groceries, in addition to the same sale and digital coupons that the grocer offers to all of its customers.
    — Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 15 July 2025
  • Buc-ee’s has $25 million in annual gross taxable sales, which comes in part from its 18 million gallons of fuel sold each year, according to the presentation.
    — Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of fuel
Verb
  • Advertisement While New York City has remained the country’s largest sanctuary city, its status as such and Mayor Eric Adams’ desire to push back against the federal government has come into question.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 July 2025
  • Vedder thought someone like Kent might push to reconfigure the 90/10 rule.
    — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Definition of push
Noun
  • Root takes that concept of player asymmetry to another level, letting each player fight for dominion of the woodland wilderness with completely different actions and mechanisms.
    — Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025
  • After confederation, Canada strove to be the most British dominion in the British empire.
    — Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025
Definition of dominion
Noun
  • That study showed that the AI interaction significantly reduced the strength of those beliefs, even two months later.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
  • Only two years prior, Zoe highlighted the strength of their bond while celebrating their 31st anniversary.
    — Michael Nied, People.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of strength
Noun
  • Hesitation may also be tied to doubts about AI’s capabilities—to make unbiased recommendations and assessments, for example.
    — Corinne Post, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Look to the best hair serums for lightweight nourishment that not only strengthens hair fibers but also improves styling capabilities.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 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 29 Jul. 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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