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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.

Padley said it later came out that she was lying and the 33-year-old told police she had "started with good intent then it escalated out of her control".

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Until the U.S. can show it has definitive control over the strait, it seems unlikely that shipping companies will risk being caught in the middle of a shootout.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Societies that forbid it are now discovering they can’t fully control them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

"These findings could be highly significant for plant cultivation. If we can control adhesion, it may be possible to breed plants with improved tolerance to environmental stress."

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

“Or maybe I was just oversensitive. My therapist says I’m trying to control things because my life feels out of control.”

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Vocabulary lists containing control

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The Scientific Method

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The ACT Science Test: The Scientific Method

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