Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

control

[kuhn-trohl] / kənˈtroʊl /
NOUN
command, mastery
Synonyms
STRONGEST
authority curb discipline domination force government jurisdiction management oversight regulation restraint restriction rule supervision
STRONG
ascendancy bridle charge check clout containment determination direction dominion guidance juice limitation manipulation might predomination qualification regimentation ropes strings subjection subordination superintendence supremacy sway weight
WEAK
driver's seat inside track upper hand wire pulling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
chaos disorganization freedom lawlessness mismanagement neglect
STRONG
advantage inability weakness
WEAK
helplessness powerlessness relinquishment renouncement
VERB
have charge of
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administer command conduct deal with dominate govern handle lead manage manipulate oversee regulate rule run supervise
STRONG
administrate advise boss bully call direct discipline domineer guide head instruct overlook pilot predominate quarterback regiment steer subject subjugate superintend
WEAK
be in saddle call the signals head up hold purse strings hold sway over hold the reins push buttons reign over run the show run things
Antonyms
STRONGEST
comply consent follow mismanage neglect obey serve submit surrender yield
STRONG
misguide mislead
WEAK
abandon chance forsake give up jump in let go relinquish renounce resign risk rush
VERB
curb, hold back
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjust check contain limit regulate
STRONG
awe bridle collect compose constrain cool corner cow monopolize quell repress restrain smother subdue
WEAK
rein in simmer down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disorganize
STRONG
agitate allow arouse disperse distribute free let go release scatter share start
WEAK
abandon chance forsake give up jump in relinquish renounce resign risk rush

Usage

What are other ways to say control? Control is either power or influence applied to the complete and successful direction or manipulation of persons or things: to be in control of a project. Authority is a power or right, usually because of rank or office, to issue commands and to punish for violations: to have authority over subordinates. Influence is a personal and unofficial power derived from deference of others to one's character, ability, or station; it may be exerted unconsciously or may operate through persuasion: to have influence over one's friends.

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.

Frew called for stronger safeguarding, tougher accountability within the PSNI, and full implementation of coercive control laws to prevent failures happening again.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Live Nation is believed to control at least 80% of the ticketing market for major concert venues, but analysts have said a forced breakup of the company is unlikely.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

After the shooting, a sheriff’s supervisor and animal control officers responded to the scene and notified the homeowners.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

But it would also allow unprecedented control to someone entirely unfit to run a magazine, let alone understand its readers.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Because the snow is shallow the sleds cut through to bare asphalt, so there is no steering, no real control.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Vocabulary lists containing control

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Scientific Method

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The ACT Science Test: The Scientific Method

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!