pull the strings

VERB

administer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administrate carry out conduct direct execute govern oversee supervise

STRONG

boss control head render run superintend

WEAK

be in the driver's seat be in the saddle crack the whip head up hold the reins pull the wires ride herd on run the show sit on top of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

leave neglect obey

STRONG

WEAK

deny forego frustrate mismanage refuse withhold

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 be in the driver's seat call the shots call the signals exercise authority head up hold dominion hold office hold sway lay down the law occupy throne 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

operate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administer conduct drive handle keep play run work

STRONG

command maneuver manipulate ordain pilot ply steer wield

WEAK

be in charge be in driver's seat be in saddle call the play call the shots call the signals carry on hold the reins make go pull the wires run the show run things sit on top of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

halt mismanage neglect stop

STRONG

leave alone

VERB

preside

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administer chair govern officiate ordain oversee supervise

STRONG

advise conduct control direct handle head keep lead manage operate run

WEAK

be at the head of be in driver's seat call the signals carry on do the honors head up run the show sit on top of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

follow obey

STRONG

abandon give up let go mismanage neglect

WEAK

serve

VERB

run

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conduct control head keep lead operate own

STRONG

administer boss coordinate direct helm ordain oversee regulate superintend

WEAK

be in charge be in driver's seat be in saddle carry on head up look after ride herd on take care of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon follow obey

STRONG

mismanage neglect

WEAK

serve

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.

Ospreys fly-half Edwards, who had started seven matches before being dropped against Scotland, will pull the strings after Costelow's bright display was ended by an ankle injury.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

"I think I know how to pull the strings to make things happen," he said.

From Reuters • Jul. 25, 2023

“They were just making it easier to pull the strings if they wanted to,” said Esther Dyson, one of two Americans who resigned from the board when the war started.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2022

Now, even as he loses power for a second time, opposition politicians and experts say he will continue to pull the strings.

From Washington Post • Oct. 11, 2021

A lofty ambition, truly, to stand behind a screen and pull the strings of a puppet, who in turn lords it over a handful of rick burners and cattle reivers.

From The Doomsman by Sutphen, Van Tassel

pull the strings

Example Sentences

Related Words