in control

phrase

1
: in the position of one who makes decisions
He always wants to be in control.
2
: not overly upset or excited : calm and able to think and act in a sensible way
In spite of the pressure to pass the test, he felt calm and in control.

Examples of in control in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
With Bhumjaithai in control of both the internal levers of power and parliament, the prospects for progressive constitutional reform evaporated. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026 Their choices were tools that understand their work and keep them in control. — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Then suddenly, a 44-yard pass to Dom Wentink, followed by 33 yards to Josh Riggs, and Hersey was in control of the game. — Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 Jeanie countered her father created a trust that put her in control. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in control

Rhymes for in control

See All Rhymes for in control

Browse Nearby Words

in contravention of
in control
incontrollable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20control. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All