sway 1 of 2

noun

ˈswā How to pronounce sway (audio)
Definition of swaynext
1
as in influence
the power to bring about a result on another under the sway of euphoria, she offered to take us all out to dinner in celebration of her new job

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2
as in leverage
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly outdated attitudes that still hold sway in some communities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in power
the right or means to command or control others a time when Rome held sway over a vast empire that stretched from Britain to the Near East

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sway

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to influence
to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response how can you not be swayed by that precious kitten, meowing as if to say, "Please take me home with you?"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to lurch
to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions the way the ski lift was swaying in the wind made me nervous

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3
as in to govern
archaic to exercise authority or power over an epic novel set in the days when Rome swayed the Western world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sway contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sway are authority, command, control, dominion, jurisdiction, and power. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

When can authority be used instead of sway?

The meanings of authority and sway largely overlap; however, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

In what contexts can command take the place of sway?

While in some cases nearly identical to sway, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When would control be a good substitute for sway?

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

you are responsible for the students under your control

When could dominion be used to replace sway?

The synonyms dominion and sway are sometimes interchangeable, but dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When is jurisdiction a more appropriate choice than sway?

The words jurisdiction and sway are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

When is it sensible to use power instead of sway?

The words power and sway can be used in similar contexts, but power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

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 sway
Noun
Once the organization signed Brad Holland as pro scouting director, and the analytics department held more sway, more capable names (specifically Ekholm) were added. —Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 May 2025 This ensures the bag fits well, reduces sway and maximizes comfort. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Verb
Many patients enter with expectations of dramatic results, often swayed by influencer testimonials. —Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 30 May 2025 Hiking shoes provide stability for navigating slippery decks or climbing stairs when the ship is swaying, especially while crossing the Drake Passage. —Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sway
  1. influence
  2. leverage
  3. power
  4. affect
  5. lurch
  6. govern
  7. effect
  8. control
Noun
  • Read More: What the History of Saint Augustine Can Teach us About Pope Leo XIV Despite setting limits on the autonomy of the American Church, the social teachings of Leo XIII had enormous influence on Catholicism in the U.S., especially after the horrors of World War I.
    — Time, Time, 29 May 2025
  • Nothing destroys influence faster than saying one thing while doing another.
    — Nirmal Chhabria, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of influence
Noun
  • Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty Welcome to the Age of Dumb Kissinger, where Washington is undermining its leverage, weakening alliances, and emboldening adversaries.
    — Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • The exception is generational players, like Steph Curry and LeBron James, who have the leverage for long-term deals.
    — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 5 June 2025
Definition of leverage
Noun
  • But that, in itself, speaks to the power of acknowledging reality onscreen — even in science-fiction.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 May 2025
  • While others chase fleeting trends or seek instant results, those who understand and leverage the power of patience may be able to secure more consistent, sustainable and rewarding investments.
    — Rodolfo Delgado, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of power
Verb
  • Some have said that the dollar’s reserve currency status may be affected, perhaps diminished somewhat – which would have many ramifications, including a rise in the cost to the U.S. for financing its deficits.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Young boys’ development seems to have been particularly affected.
    — Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Definition of affect
Verb
  • Juventus are lurching from one coach to the next with no real vision for the future, while the once-mighty AC Milan will miss out on Europe altogether next season and the likes of Fiorentina, Torino and Parma – all having won major trophies in the past – are shadows of their former selves.
    — Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Wednesday’s primetime debate between the leaders of the five main political parties in the Great North has changed its start time to avoid clashing with a hockey game that could lurch the Montreal Canadiens into this year’s NHL playoffs.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of lurch
Verb
  • Those organizations want to police themselves, and have gone so far as to have a meeting earlier this year to lay down the rules to the NCAA at how that organization will govern those two top leagues.
    — Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025
  • Your submission will be governed by our general Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 May 2025
Definition of govern
Noun
  • This warning is in effect until 6 p.m. How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2025
  • In effect, a millionaire pays a smaller share of their income into Social Security than a middle-class teacher or nurse.
    — Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Definition of effect
Noun
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
  • Swift’s management of her career has been touted as a model to reduce the structural inefficiencies in music licensing and broadcasting, to promote equity sharing with record labels, and to give artists in general more control over their creative work.
    — Time, Time, 5 June 2025
Definition of control

Browse Nearby Words

swatting
sway
swayed
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Cite this Entry

“Sway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sway. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sway

Nglish: Translation of sway for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sway

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