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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
follow
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

How does it feel for you to be in the driver’s seat of how those moments are presented to the world?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

Lee Merritt, the family’s attorney, said the civil suit is to “give the family a chance to be in the driver’s seat in pursuing justice for Ralph” as the state’s criminal case against Lester unfolds.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 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

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)

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