Home Synonyms control

Synonyms of control in English:

control


See US English definition of control

See UK English definition of control

See Spanish definition of controlar

noun

1‘the Dutch retained control over the western half of New Guinea’

SYNONYMS
jurisdiction, sway, power, authority, command, dominance, domination, government, mastery, leadership, rule, reign, sovereignty, supremacy, ascendancy, predominance, hegemony
charge, management, direction, guidance, supervision, superintendence, oversight
influence
rare prepotence, prepotency, prepollency

2‘strict import controls’

SYNONYMS
restraint, constraint, limitation, restriction, check, curb, brake, rein
regulation

3‘‘How could you?’ she yelled, her control slipping’

SYNONYMS
self-control, self-restraint, restraint, self-command, self-mastery, self-discipline
self-possession, composure, calmness, coolness
informal cool
rare countenance

4‘the volume control’

SYNONYMS
switch, knob, button, dial, handle, lever
console, instrument panel, dashboard
informal dash

5‘mission control’

SYNONYMS
headquarters, HQ, base, centre of operations, command post

6‘another Petri dish without the DNA solution was used as a control’

SYNONYMS
standard of comparison, benchmark, standard, check

verb

1‘one family had controlled the company since its formation’

SYNONYMS
be in charge of, run, be in control of, manage, direct, administer, head, preside over, have authority over, supervise, superintend, oversee, guide, steer
command, rule, govern, lead, dominate, reign over, hold sway over, hegemonize, be at the helm, be the boss
informal head up, call the shots, call the tune, be in the driving seat, be in the saddle, run the show, pull the strings, rule the roost, hold the purse strings, have someone in the palm of one's hand, have something in the palm of one's hand, have someone eating out of one's hand
British informal wear the trousers
North American have someone in one's hip pocket

2‘she struggled to control her temper’

SYNONYMS
restrain, keep in check, curb, check, contain, hold back, bridle, rein in, keep a tight rein on, subdue, suppress, repress, master, damp down
informal keep a lid on, keep the lid on

3‘public spending was controlled’

SYNONYMS
limit, restrict, impose limits on, set limits on, curb, cap, constrain
informal put the brakes on

4‘the extractor fan is controlled by a thermostat’

SYNONYMS
regulate, modulate, adjust
affect, determine, govern

Phrases

    out of control

    ‘the world is increasingly out of control’


    SYNONYMS
    uncontrollable, unmanageable, ungovernable, wild, unruly, disorderly, recalcitrant, refractory, obstreperous, turbulent, intractable, incorrigible, disobedient, delinquent, insubordinate, defiant, non-compliant, undisciplined
    British informal stroppy, bolshie
    archaic contumacious
    ANTONYMS

    under control, obedient, compliant