Definitions

call the tune

VERB

call the shots

Synonyms

WEAK

be in control be in the driver's seat be in the saddle lay down the law make the decisions make the rules run the show wear the trousers

VERB

conduct

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attend control direct handle keep manage operate order organize oversee regulate run supervise

STRONG

accompany chair chaperon convey engineer escort govern guide head lead ordain pilot rule shepherd steer usher

WEAK

carry on preside over ride herd on run things trailblaze wield baton

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon disorder disorganize disregard give up ignore let go mismanage neglect obey serve

STRONG

comply consent desert follow leave lose

VERB

dictate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

govern guide impose lay down prescribe

STRONG

bid bulldoze charge control decree direct enjoin instruct lead manage ordain order pronounce regiment rule set

WEAK

call the play call the shots lay down the law put foot down read the riot act take the reins walk heavy

Antonyms

STRONG

disallow mismanage

WEAK

ask implore request

VERB

dispose

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adapt incline predispose tempt

STRONG

actuate adjust arrange array bend bias condition determine distribute fix govern group induce influence lead locate marshal motivate move organize prepare promote prompt put range rank regulate set settle shepherd stand sway systematize tailor

WEAK

lay down the law make willing methodize put one's foot down put to rights read the riot act ride herd on set in order

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discourage

STRONG

change comply confuse consent depart derange destroy disarrange disorder disorganize disperse displace dissuade disturb halt hinder ignore leave lose miss mix up neglect obey prevent remove scatter stay stop unsettle upset

WEAK

mismanage

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.

As the needle drops on a new era of digital music creation, the controversy in Sweden over Jacub suggests that for now at least it is human musicians not machines who still call the tune.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Braman, who implored the Times reporters, “I don’t consider myself a fat cat. Don’t make me out to be a fat cat,” has been able to call the tune for the 44-year-old Rubio.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2015

This was not a meaningless encounter for Arsenal and they came to call the tune, with trademark quick interchanges and attractive movement.

From The Guardian • May 20, 2015

And, although some people, myself among them, will never be wholly persuaded that he who pays the piper doesn’t call the tune, the average voter doesn’t seem to judge candidates by their financial backers.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 13, 2015

But now someone else would call the tune.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson

call the tune

Example Sentences

Related Words