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Definitions

hold sway over

VERB
control
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 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
dominate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
command control dictate influence lead manage monopolize overshadow prevail run
STRONG
boss direct domineer eclipse handle head outshine overbear overrule predominate preponderate reign subject subjugate sway tyrannize
WEAK
call the shots detract from have one's way have upper hand keep under thumb lay down the law lead by the nose play first fiddle prevail over rule the roost run the show sit on top of superabound
Antonyms
STRONGEST
follow lose obey
STRONG
mismanage neglect submit
WEAK
be below go along surrender yield
VERB
head
Synonyms
STRONGEST
command control direct guide lead run
STRONG
address dominate govern pioneer precede rule supervise
WEAK
be first be in charge go first lead the way
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon follow misguide mislead neglect obey
STRONG
serve submit surrender yield
VERB
preponderate
Synonyms
STRONG
boss command control dictate direct domineer eclipse handle head influence lead manage monopolize outshine overbear overrule overshadow predominate prevail reign rule run subject subjugate sway tyrannize
WEAK
call the shots detract from have one's way have upper hand keep under thumb lay down the law lead by the nose play first fiddle prevail over reign supreme rule the roost run the show sit on top of superabound
Antonyms
STRONG
fall behind follow lose mismanage neglect obey serve submit surrender
VERB
sway
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dominate impress inspire overrule persuade
STRONG
bias brainwash carry conduct control crack direct dispose get govern guide hook incline induce manage move predispose reign rule sell strike touch
WEAK
impact on lead by the nose prevail on put across rule over soften up suck in turn one's head twist one's arm win over work on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discourage dissuade
STRONG
misguide mislead neglect serve
WEAK
leave alone

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.

Analysts say her departure as party leader could mark the end of the family's dominance in Thai politics, though some believe the Shinawatras still hold sway over Pheu Thai.

From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025

These fearsome carnivores, known for their splotchy fur and cackling “laughter,” form complicated social networks in which high-ranking females hold sway over males and other, less dominant females.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 29, 2024

In recent years Kissinger has continued to hold sway over Washington’s power brokers as an elder statesman.

From Washington Times • May 27, 2023

Venus continues to hold sway over the evening sky during May.

From Washington Post • Apr. 30, 2023

A grown-up child is he who cannot hold sway over his passions.

From The Religion of the Samurai A Study of Zen Philosophy and Discipline in China and Japan by Nukariya, Kaiten