control implies a regulating or restraining in order to keep within bounds or on a course. direct implies constant guiding and regulating so as to achieve smooth operation. power, authority, jurisdiction, …

To control is to dominate or command something or someone, as in Tomas showed excellent control of his hand several weeks after his surgery. As a noun, control can refer to the act of controlling, as in I …

The Chicago-based holding company controls a global network of advertising and public relations agencies. Within five years the tech firm controlled 60% of the European market.

To have control is to have the power to run something in an orderly way. A skillful teacher maintains control over students who might otherwise waste time or be disruptive. A control can also be a …

To exercise authoritative or dominating influence over; direct: The majority party controls the legislative agenda. See Synonyms at conduct. 2. To adjust to a requirement; regulate: rules that control trading …

Artists like to have some control over where their works are hung in a gallery. She’s a good teacher who has control of her class. Students are encouraged to take control of their own learning, rather than …

control of somebody/something The party expects to gain control of the council in the next election. Militants have taken control of the town. The Democrats have lost control of Congress. A military …

A control is a device such as a switch or lever which you use in order to operate a machine or other piece of equipment. I practiced operating the controls.

If you are at the controls, you are controlling a vehicle. The copilot was at the controls when the plane landed. The effects of the drug were clear when the test group was compared with the control group. …

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