say

answer, respond, reply, rebut, retort, rejoin; give for answer, return for answer; acknowledge, echo., explain (interpret); solve (unriddle); discover; fathom, hunt out (inquire) [more]; satisfy, set at rest, determine.

authorize (permit); warrant (right); dictate (order); have authority, hold authority, possess authority, exercise authority, exert authority, wield authority, be at the head of; hold office, be in office, fill an office; hold master, occupy master, a post master, be master [more]., rule, sway, command, control, administer; govern (direct); lead, preside over, reign, possess the throne, be seated on the throne, occupy the throne; sway the scepter, wield the scepter; wear the crown., have the upper hand, get the upper hand, have the whip, get the whip; gain a hold upon, preponderate, dominate, rule the roost; boss [U.S.]; override, overrule, overawe; lord it over, hold in hand, keep under, make a puppet of, lead by the nose, turn round one's little finger, bend to one's will, hold one's own, wear the breeches; have the ball at one's feet, have it all one's own way, have the game in one's own hand, have on the hip, have under one's thumb; be master of the situation; take the lead, play first fiddle, set the fashion; give the law to; carry with a high hand; lay down the law; "ride in the whirlwind and direct the storm" [Addison]; rule with a rod of iron (severity)., ascend the throne, mount the throne; take the reins, take the reins into one's hand; assume authority, take the reins of government; take command, assume the command., be governed by, be in the power of.