POWER

n. 1 Sometimes, powers. capacity, capability, ability, potential, faculty, competency or competence, faculty, potentiality, Colloq what it takes, US the (right) stuff, the goods Fishes have the power to change their buoyancy He has remarkable powers of observation. 2 control, dominance, authority, mastery, rule, influence, sway, command, ascendancy, sovereignty, dominion, weight, clout, Colloq pull, US drag He maintains a Svengali-like power over her The prime minister has the power to appoint and dismiss cabinet ministers. 3 control, command, authority The party might not be in power for very long 4 strength, might, vigour, energy, force, mightiness, potency, forcefulness, brawn, muscle, Literary puissance His speech was delivered with great power and a certain wit Has she the power it takes to toss the caber? 5 talent, skill, ability, faculty, gift, aptitude, genius, knack They say that she has the power to see into the future 6 authority, licence, right, authorization, privilege, warrant, prerogative By the power vested in me, I now declare you man and wife It is within her power to grant a stay of execution. 7 Often, powers. activity, effectiveness, effect, ability, capacity, active ingredient(s) This mushroom has hallucinogenic powers 8 energy, momentum, impetus, drive, force, inertia The car rolled halfway up the next hill under its own power 9 (mechanical or electrical or atomic) energy, electricity, fuel Yesterday there was another demonstration against the use of nuclear power 10 powers that be. government, administration, authorities, incumbents It is up to the powers that be to investigate corruption