in the driver's seat

VERB

domineer

Synonyms

STRONG

bend bluster browbeat bulldoze bully dominate hector intimidate menace overbear predominate preponderate prevail reign rule swagger threaten tyrannize

WEAK

be in the saddle boss around call the shots henpeck keep under thumb kick around lead by the nose push the buttons rule the roost run the show run things throw weight around

Antonyms

STRONG

assist help leave alone serve submit surrender

WEAK

follow yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Obviously having the great Jean Smart in the driver’s seat helped a lot — she revealed the woman beneath the diva even in Deborah’s most outrageous actions.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Her rationale is that it puts brands back in the driver’s seat.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

“This structure ensures parents stay in the driver’s seat during the learning years, while giving kids real, hands-on experience that prepares them for financial independence,” Jennifer Seitz, Greenlight’s director of education, told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

They come through speakers in the driver’s seat headrest, while the song or podcast keeps playing everywhere else.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

I got in the driver’s seat, secured the door, and drove away, waving good-bye.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

in the driver's seat

Example Sentences

Related Words