sway

1 of 2

noun

1
: the action or an instance of swaying or of being swayed : an oscillating, fluctuating, or sweeping motion
2
: an inclination or deflection caused by or as if by swaying
3
a
: a controlling influence
b
: sovereign power : dominion
c
: the ability to exercise influence or authority : dominance

sway

2 of 2

verb

swayed; swaying; sways

intransitive verb

1
a
: to swing slowly and rhythmically back and forth from a base or pivot
b
: to move gently from an upright to a leaning position
2
: to hold sway : act as ruler or governor
3
: to fluctuate or veer between one point, position, or opinion and another

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause to sway : set to swinging, rocking, or oscillating
b
: to cause to bend downward to one side
c
: to cause to turn aside : deflect, divert
2
archaic
a
: wield
b
3
a
: to cause to vacillate
b
: to exert a guiding or controlling influence on
4
: to hoist in place
sway up a mast
swayer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for sway

Noun

power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine.

power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

Verb

swing, sway, oscillate, vibrate, fluctuate, waver, undulate mean to move from one direction to its opposite.

swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

affect, influence, touch, impress, strike, sway mean to produce or have an effect upon.

affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

Examples of sway in a Sentence

Noun the sway of the ship He has come under the sway of terrorists. The ancient Romans held sway over most of Europe. Verb branches swaying in the breeze He swayed a moment before he fainted. The lawyer tried to sway the jury. She persisted in her argument, but I wouldn't let her sway me.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Budtenders wield considerable sway in shaping consumer perceptions and gravitate toward genuine connections over corporate strategies. Mario Naric, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2024 One major obstacle: The bill is largely unpopular with TikTok users, many of whom also happen to be young voters who could hold major sway in the 2024 US election, which senators are keenly aware of. Clare Duffy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 So Newsom is short on voter sway in his home state. George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Even in the Asia-Pacific region there is a strong argument to say Washington enjoys greater sway, considering the especially close ties with allies Japan, South Korea and Australia. Dan Murphy, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024 In a nation where hockey holds sway, the outcome could resonate far beyond the arena, shaping Canada's sporting landscape and economic trajectory. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Just be sure to remind them to take some time to enjoy the gentle sway of the hammock in the wind and fresh air. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024 Under their sway, every issue becomes a partisan issue, and the acid of political division corrodes the fabric of our society. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2024 His opinion has no sway over the federal judges hearing the other lawsuits, which have been brought by Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Novo Nordisk, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, the industry lobbying arm Phrma and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024
Verb
Signs that employers plan solid wage hikes appear to have swayed the central bank toward finally easing away from the massive monetary easing employed over many years to try to spur growth in a country where the population is quickly falling and aging. Zimo Zhong, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2024 Now, with the MLC’s first-ever re-designation currently underway, both its critics and supporters have become more vocal in hopes of swaying the results and/or public opinion about the organization’s operations to date. Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2024 Tips for Choosing the Right Doormat Material The material of your doormat should be one of the top things that sway your purchasing decision. Lee Alisha Williams, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024 In Franklin, Douglas, 79, brings Benjamin Franklin to life as the founding father journeys to France in 1776 to sway the country into supporting the United States’ efforts in the American Revolution. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 The hot and sweaty space, a shanty made of wood pieces and tin, holds a crowd of locals swaying drunkenly to the music, sipping strong drinks, and dancing despite the temperature. Korsha Wilson, Bon Appétit, 11 Mar. 2024 Board members, who had tentatively endorsed the more aggressive approach to lowering payments at a meeting in January, appeared to be swayed Friday by the pension system’s chief executive and fiduciary, who both raised serious concerns. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 France denied swaying Netflix’s decision, noting that Brent was chosen as the best person for the job after a full casting process. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024 However, independent expenditures can sway the outcome of races in major ways, especially in elections with candidates who do not already have significant name recognition. Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sway.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sweigh, from sweyen

Verb

alteration of earlier swey to fall, swoon, from Middle English sweyen, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse sveigja to sway; akin to Lithuanian svaigti to become dizzy

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sway was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sway

Cite this Entry

“Sway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sway. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sway

1 of 2 noun
1
: the action or an instance of swaying or of being swayed
2
: a bending or twisting caused by or as if by swaying
3
: controlling force or influence : rule

sway

2 of 2 verb
1
a
: to swing or cause to swing slowly back and forth
b
: to move gently from an upright to a leaning position
2
: to change often between one point, position, or opinion and another
3
: to have a strong influence upon
swayer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sway

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