Find Synonyms

control Synonyms

Another word for control

Choosing another word for control depends on context, so the 57 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 8 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.

Usage Example

"The teacher maintained strict authority over the classroom during the examination."

Strongest
authority
command
power
mastery
Strong
dominance
supervision
direction
charge
rule
sway

• verb (Context 2)

To determine the behavior or supervise the running of a person, organization, or system.

Usage Example

"A single board of directors controls the entire multinational corporation."

Strongest
manage
direct
run
govern
command
supervise
Strong
oversee
administer
regulate
lead

• noun (Context 3)

A switch, dial, or other device used to operate and regulate a machine, vehicle, or system.

Usage Example

"The pilot adjusted the flight controls to prepare for landing."

Strong
switch
regulator
dial
lever
knob
button
instrument
mechanism

• verb (Context 4)

To limit the level, intensity, or spread of something undesirable.

Usage Example

"Firefighters worked through the night to contain the spread of the forest fire."

Strongest
contain
curb
check
limit
restrain
Strong
restrict
suppress
hold back
keep down
rein in

• verb (Context 5)

To maintain influence or restraint over one's own emotions or demeanor.

Usage Example

"He struggled to restrain his excitement when he heard the good news."

Strongest
restrain
contain
suppress
check
curb
hold back
Strong
repress
master
bridle
rein in

• noun (Context 6)

The ability to manage or restrain one's own emotions, impulses, or actions.

Usage Example

"She showed remarkable self-control by remaining calm during the heated debate."

Strongest
self-control
restraint
composure
self-restraint
Strong
poise
willpower
equanimity
discipline
self-possession
coolness

• noun (Context 7)

A group or individual used as a standard of comparison for checking the results of a scientific experiment or study.

Usage Example

"Half of the participants received the new medication, while the other half served as a control group."

Strongest
control group
Strong
standard
benchmark
baseline

• verb (Context 8)

To account for or hold constant anextraneous variable in an experiment or statistical analysis.

Usage Example

"The researchers designed the study to account for for age and socioeconomic status."

Strong
account for
adjust for
factor in

Opposites of control

The opposite of control shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

powerlessness
abandon
unleash
helplessness
vent
express
follow
obey
See all opposites of control

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Control. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/control
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