jurisdiction

noun

ˌju̇r-əs-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce jurisdiction (audio)
Definition of jurisdictionnext
as in government
lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation) the United States has no jurisdiction over Cuba

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun jurisdiction contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of jurisdiction are authority, command, control, dominion, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

In what contexts can authority take the place of jurisdiction?

The words authority and jurisdiction can be used in similar contexts, but authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

When can command be used instead of jurisdiction?

The synonyms command and jurisdiction are sometimes interchangeable, but command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When might control be a better fit than jurisdiction?

In some situations, the words control and jurisdiction are roughly equivalent. However, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When is it sensible to use dominion instead of jurisdiction?

While the synonyms dominion and jurisdiction are close in meaning, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When is power a more appropriate choice than jurisdiction?

While in some cases nearly identical to jurisdiction, power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When would sway be a good substitute for jurisdiction?

Although the words sway and jurisdiction have much in common, sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of jurisdiction The show was produced under WGC jurisdiction, which required Roth to get a waiver from the WGA as the production company was not a signatory to the WGA contract. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025 If approved, the state would become the latest jurisdiction to restrict the sale of bottled water in environmentally sensitive areas. —Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025 The process, Hallman said, will hopefully culminate in 2027 with certification by the California Coastal Commission, which has jurisdiction over improvements. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025 Other jurisdictions around California are also asking the same questions to try to reduce costs to reduce affordable housing costs, McCarty said. —Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
  1. government
  2. rule
  3. governance
  4. administration
Noun
  • One tool the federal government could use to shape A.I.’s development is its buying power.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Museum of African-American History Faces Uncertain Future After Federal Grant Terminated The Museum of African American History in Boston is facing financial uncertainty after the federal government abruptly ended its three-year grant.
    — Oumou Fofana, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of government
Noun
  • The only issue with the price Chelsea Women was sold for was that they were bought by their parent company in a move that helped the men’s team comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in 2023-24.
    — Matt Slater, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The top attorney for a California board that enforces labor rules said Thursday that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office may have violated state law over its handling of an order directing many public employees to work in person four days a week.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Success requires getting your hands directly on data governance and quality controls before rolling out any personalization initiatives.
    — Jody Bhagat, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, depending on the industry, firms are constrained by various factors when considering shifts in supply chains, such as the availability of supply inputs, infrastructure, the quality and cost of local labor, regulation and governance.
    — Dylan Butts,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of governance
Noun
  • With Republicans holding a slim majority in the House and Senate, the courts have arguably become the main avenue for challenging the Trump administration's policy.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The case raises questions about the Trump administration's adherence to limits set by the Supreme Court.
    — Andrew Chung, Luc Cohen, Kristina Cooke, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of administration

Browse Nearby Words

jurisconsults
jurisdiction
jurisdictions
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Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jurisdiction

Nglish: Translation of jurisdiction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jurisdiction

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