be in the driver's seat

VERB

administer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administrate carry out conduct direct execute govern oversee supervise

STRONG

boss control head render run superintend

WEAK

be in the saddle crack the whip head up hold the reins pull the strings pull the wires ride herd on run the show sit on top of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

leave neglect obey

STRONG

WEAK

deny forego frustrate mismanage refuse withhold

VERB

call the shots

Synonyms

WEAK

be in control be in the saddle call the tune lay down the law make the decisions make the rules run the show wear the trousers

VERB

direct

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advise conduct control guide handle keep lead operate run supervise

STRONG

administer boss dispose dominate govern influence ordain quarterback regulate rule shepherd superintend

WEAK

call the shots carry on control the affairs of have the say head up preside over run the show run things take the reins

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon give up leave let go neglect obey serve

STRONG

follow mismanage submit surrender yield

WEAK

diverge misdirect misguide mislead

VERB

govern

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administer carry out conduct control dictate guide manage oversee regulate supervise

STRONG

captain command direct execute head lead order overrule pilot reign render run steer superintend sway tyrannize

WEAK

assume command be in power call the shots call the signals exercise authority head up hold dominion hold office hold sway lay down the law occupy throne pull the strings serve the people wear the crown

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon leave mismanage neglect

STRONG

fail follow obey serve

WEAK

acquiesce agree allow comply consent give way permit surrender yield

VERB

reign

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dominate govern hold sway occupy predominate

STRONG

administer boss command domineer helm influence manage obtain overrule preponderate rule sit

WEAK

be in power be supreme head up hold power rule the roost run the show run things superabound wear the crown

Antonyms

STRONGEST

surrender yield

STRONG

follow mismanage submit

WEAK

serve

VERB

steer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

drive escort govern herd shepherd

STRONG

beacon captain conduct control helm lead pilot point route run see show skipper

WEAK

head for run things take over take the helm take the reins

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tech will still be in the driver’s seat in terms of both earnings and performance, according to Wei Li, the BlackRock Investment Institute’s chief investment strategist.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

However, Altman stressed that the AI industry, like OpenAI, shouldn’t be in the driver’s seat when it comes to making regulations governing the industry.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 2024

"I think this gives them an opportunity to be in the driver's seat, to renegotiate at a lower price," said Ben Jang, a portfolio manager at Nicola Wealth.

From Reuters • Apr. 4, 2023

But any potential criminal case may be complicated by Tesla’s warnings that a human still needs to be in the driver’s seat.

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2022

Jacques particularly was pleased to be in the driver's seat of an aeroplane again; his face plainly showed his keen enjoyment.

From Fighting in France by Wrenn, Charles L. (Charles Lewis)

be in the driver's seat

Example Sentences

Related Words