Another Word for Power: 23 Synonyms with Examples
Power means control over people or events, the ability to do something, physical strength, or energy such as electricity. Swap it for the precise sense.
As a noun: control or influence
- control
- authority
- influence
- dominance
- command
- rule
- sway
- clout
As a noun: ability or capacity
- ability
- capacity
- capability
- potential
- faculty
- competence
As a noun: strength or force
- strength
- force
- might
- energy
- intensity
- vigour
As a noun: energy supplied
- electricity
- energy
- current
- fuel
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- control
- The ability to direct what happens.
- authority
- Power that comes from an official position.
- influence
- Indirect power to affect people's actions or views.
- clout
- Informal; political or business influence.
- capacity
- The ability or power to do something.
- might
- Great strength or force; literary.
Example sentences
- control: The new owners took control of the club in May.
- authority: Only the head teacher has the authority to exclude a pupil.
- influence: The newspaper has a lot of influence over its readers.
- clout: Large supermarkets have huge clout with farmers.
- capacity: Children have an amazing capacity to learn languages.
- might: She pushed the door with all her might.
Opposite of power
- weakness
- powerlessness
- inability
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “power”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: office
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “power”?
The most useful alternatives are “control”, “authority”, “influence”, “dominance”, “command”. For the main sense (control or influence), “control” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “control” and “authority”?
control: The ability to direct what happens. authority: Power that comes from an official position.
What is the opposite of “power”?
Common antonyms are “weakness”, “powerlessness”, “inability”.