Synonyms for

Controls

Verb / kʌˈntrəʊlz / Another word for controls — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To have power over something or someone, to manage or regulate something or someone.

Synonyms & similar words

controlcondition seetoit mastery operate ascendency holdin dominance moderate controller curb ascertain ensure see restraint ascendance unrestraint verify master keepinline contain hold insure ascendancy command assure manages regulates directs guides leads oversees supervises dominates commands rules administers handles conducts operates manipulates influences moderates restrains constrains checks

Synonyms by register

Formal

regulation management supervision governance direction

Informal

handles levers switches gadgets gizmos

Literary

reins yoke shackles

Antonyms

freedom liberty independence unrestraint autonomy disregard neglect

Common collocations

  • access controls
  • user controls
  • remote controls
  • climate controls
  • gain control
  • lose control
  • under control
  • in control

Word family

noun control
verb control
adjective controllable
adverb controllably

Usage note

As a noun, 'controls' often refers to the devices used to operate something. As a verb, it means to exert influence or direct the behavior of something.

Example sentences

  1. The traffic lights control the flow of cars.
  2. My mom controls what I watch on TV.
  3. The teacher controls the classroom.
  4. The government controls the country's laws.
  5. My dad controls the family budget.

Quotes

  • The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. Be in control of your life.
  • You cannot control everything that happens to you; you can only control the way you respond to what happens. In your response is your power.
  • Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.

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