Word finder Dictionarycontrol

ENGLISH THESAURUS & DICTIONARY

control

noun · verb

Words like control

Compare the definitions to choose the right meaning.

219 words · noun, verbSort by

Synonymverb

Synonymnoun / verb

Synonymverb

Synonymverb

Synonymverb

Synonymnoun / verb

Synonymverb

Synonymverb

Synonymverb

Synonymverb

Synonymnoun / verb

Synonymverb

Synonymnoun

Synonymverb

Synonymnoun

Synonymverb

Synonymnoun

Synonymverb

Related words aren’t always interchangeable. Check the definition before you choose.

MEANING & USAGE

Definitions & examples

01noun

power to direct or determine

“under control”

02noun

a relation of constraint of one entity (thing or person or group) by another

“measures for the control of disease”

“they instituted controls over drinking on campus”

03noun

(physiology) regulation or maintenance of a function or action or reflex etc

“the timing and control of his movements were unimpaired”

“he had lost control of his sphincters”

04noun

a standard against which other conditions can be compared in a scientific experiment

“the control condition was inappropriate for the conclusions he wished to draw”

16 more meanings

05noun

the activity of managing or exerting control over something

“the control of the mob by the police was admirable”

06noun

the state that exists when one person or group has power over another

“her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her”

07noun

discipline in personal and social activities

“he was a model of polite restraint”

“she never lost control of herself”

08noun

great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity

“a good command of French”

09noun

a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine

“the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly”

“I turned the controls over to her”

10noun

a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance

11noun

the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc.

“they wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls”

12verb

exercise authoritative control or power over

“control the budget”

“Command the military forces”

13verb

lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits

“moderate your alcohol intake”

“hold your tongue”

14verb

handle and cause to function

“do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol”

“control the lever”

15verb

maintain influence over (others or oneself) skillfully, usually to one's advantage

“She manipulates her boss”

“She is a very controlling mother and doesn't let her children grow up”

16verb

check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard

“Are you controlling for the temperature?”

17verb

place under restrictions; limit access to by law

“this substance is controlled”

“that area is restricted to security personnel only”

18verb

verify by using a duplicate register for comparison

“control an account”

19verb

be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something

“He verified that the valves were closed”

“See that the curtains are closed”

20verb

have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of

“Do you control these data?”

Meanings and examples from Open English WordNet 2025. About our sources ↗

PUT IT INTO A PHRASE

Expressions with “control”

All 58 entries ↗

Explore multiword dictionary entries containing this word. Each has its own meanings and related words.

control key control rod gun control job control arms control control grid control room fire control