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 Why Florida claims jurisdiction The state warrant is supported by a seven-page affidavit prepared by Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Supervisor Jorge Gonzalez. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 Not all jurisdictions allow these structures, but several states — most notably California — have rolled back restrictions to create more housing and make the market more affordable. — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026 To further complicate matters, one stanchion is in Garden City — another jurisdiction entirely. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026 The lagoon on the south shore of Long Island is half in Brooklyn, half in Queens, so expect jurisdiction headaches to accompany the dramatic monologues. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jurisdiction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jurisdiction
  1. government
  2. rule
  3. administration
  4. governance
Noun
  • Last week, a federal judge granted the news outlets their request for a preliminary injunction against the government ban as the case moves through the legal system.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Filling a government gap The new pledge comes as governments fall far behind their own nature-funding targets.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of government
Noun
  • In 2024, the CFPB proposed a rule that would require the disclosure of tips and fees as finance charges as an APR, or the total yearly cost of borrowing money.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • But that same year, protests erupted that ended 15 years of rule by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • Such well-being is appealed to only as a smokescreen for the argument's true purpose, the justification of the administration's policies toward immigrants.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The administration had been in damage control mode ever since her first briefing.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of administration
Noun
  • By approaching elections as an important governance function and not merely an annual formality, boards and unit owners can help establish a culture of transparency, accountability, integrity, and responsible stewardship.
    — Gary M. Mars, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The goal in the long term would be to establish a multilateral system of regional governance—anchored by China but accepted by its neighbors.
    — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of governance

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 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jurisdiction

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jurisdiction

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