Definition of jurisdictionnext

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 If winner is deemed to be a minor under the jurisdiction of his/her residence, the prize will be awarded in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian who must execute the necessary affidavit and release and, if applicable,. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 Regulators in other jurisdictions have at times come down hard on Citation, which owns wells in 11 other states. — Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 27 Oct. 2026 Monitors will introduce themselves to the poll manager and present government ID (and a letter from the jurisdiction permitting entrance to the polls with the monitors' names, if the jurisdiction wants each monitor identified). — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 The circumstances of that arrest, including the charges Corrales faced and which California jurisdiction released him, were not immediately available. — Brittany Miller , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
Noun
  • The agency has become controversial over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that precipitated a government shutdown earlier this year.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Lockheed Martin has committed $67 million to the facility expansion and associated equipment before receiving government funding for the project.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Voters in six states will soon decide whether to impose or expand voter identification requirements, including rules requiring mail voters to provide part of a driver’s license or Social Security number.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Some states, however, have chosen not to adopt the federal rule because of concerns about near-term revenue losses.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This rate of departure is significantly higher than the rates seen during the last two administrations.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
  • North Korea objected, and Seoul, currently under a left-leaning administration that seeks warmer relations with the North, will not even confirm that the case existed.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As China’s global presence grows, data governance, biosecurity, and resilience are serious concerns.
    — Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Gaps in governance, limited visibility into usage and costs, and restrictive vendor terms further complicate oversight—underscoring the need for stronger cost controls as organizations scale AI.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jurisdiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jurisdiction. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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