Monopoly synonym words like dominance, exclusive control, and sole ownership describe a situation where one person, company, or group controls an entire market, resource, or activity. For example, “The corporation maintained dominance over the industry,” or “The company had exclusive control of the supply.”
If you’re writing about economics, power, business, or control, each word highlights a different shade of monopoly—from legal exclusivity to unfair market dominance.
In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning and example sentences for each monopoly synonym, so you can express control, exclusivity, and dominance with clarity and precision.
What Does “Monopoly” Mean?
The word “monopoly” refers to exclusive control or ownership of a product, service, or market by a single entity, leaving little or no competition.
Examples:
- “The company held a monopoly over internet services in the region.”
- “Government regulation was introduced to break the monopoly.”
A monopoly can be legal or illegal, beneficial or harmful, depending on context. It often implies power, control, and lack of competition.
Synonyms of “Monopoly” with Meanings, Examples, and Usage Tips
1. Dominance
Meaning: Control or power over others in a market or situation.
Example: The brand’s dominance scared away competitors.
When to Use: Business, competitive, or analytical writing.
2. Exclusive Control
Meaning: Sole authority over something.
Example: The firm had exclusive control of the technology.
When to Use: Formal, legal, or corporate contexts.
3. Sole Ownership
Meaning: Ownership by only one entity.
Example: He retained sole ownership of the patent.
When to Use: Legal, financial, or property-related writing.
4. Market Control
Meaning: Power to influence prices and supply.
Example: Market control allowed the company to raise prices.
When to Use: Economic or business analysis.
5. Exclusivity
Meaning: Limited access granted to one party.
Example: The contract granted exclusivity to the supplier.
When to Use: Business, fashion, or branding contexts.
6. Cornering the Market
Meaning: Gaining overwhelming market control.
Example: The company succeeded in cornering the market.
When to Use: Informal business or media writing.
7. Hegemony
Meaning: Dominant leadership or influence.
Example: The nation established economic hegemony.
When to Use: Academic, political, or historical writing.
8. Cartel
Meaning: Group controlling prices or supply.
Example: The oil cartel influenced global prices.
When to Use: Economic, political, or regulatory contexts.
9. Trust
Meaning: Large business combination controlling a market.
Example: Antitrust laws were designed to limit trusts.
When to Use: Historical or legal discussions.
10. Exclusive Rights
Meaning: Legal permission granted to one entity only.
Example: The author sold exclusive rights to the publisher.
When to Use: Legal, creative, or licensing contexts.
11. Single Supplier
Meaning: Only provider of a product or service.
Example: The city relied on a single supplier for water.
When to Use: Technical, business, or infrastructure writing.
12. Market Power
Meaning: Ability to influence prices or competition.
Example: Excessive market power raised concerns.
When to Use: Economic or regulatory analysis.
13. Sole Provider
Meaning: The only available source.
Example: The company was the sole provider of electricity.
When to Use: Neutral, explanatory writing.
14. Control Monopoly
Meaning: Total authority over operations or resources.
Example: The firm held a control monopoly.
When to Use: Formal or academic contexts.
15. Exclusive Franchise
Meaning: Sole rights to operate in a region.
Example: The brand received an exclusive franchise.
When to Use: Business, licensing, or retail writing.
16. Market Domination
Meaning: Near-total control of a market.
Example: Market domination eliminated competition.
When to Use: Business or analytical writing.
17. Sole Control
Meaning: Authority held by one party alone.
Example: The CEO exercised sole control over decisions.
When to Use: Leadership or corporate contexts.
18. Trade Monopoly
Meaning: Exclusive control over trade.
Example: The empire enforced a trade monopoly.
When to Use: Historical or economic writing.
19. Exclusive Dealership
Meaning: Only authorized seller.
Example: The company granted exclusive dealership rights.
When to Use: Sales, automotive, or retail contexts.
20. Single Ownership
Meaning: Ownership by one individual or entity.
Example: Single ownership simplified management.
When to Use: Legal or business writing.
21. Economic Dominance
Meaning: Strong control over economic activity.
Example: Economic dominance raised antitrust concerns.
When to Use: Academic or policy-focused writing.
22. Absolute Control
Meaning: Complete authority without limits.
Example: The corporation gained absolute control of supply.
When to Use: Dramatic or analytical contexts.
23. Exclusive Hold
Meaning: Sole possession of rights or access.
Example: The firm had an exclusive hold on the market.
When to Use: Business or descriptive writing.
24. One-Company Rule
Meaning: Market controlled by a single company.
Example: One-company rule stifled innovation.
When to Use: Informal, journalistic writing.
25. Sole Command
Meaning: Full authority held by one entity.
Example: The leader exercised sole command.
When to Use: Formal or leadership contexts.
26. Market Supremacy
Meaning: Highest level of market control.
Example: Market supremacy drew regulatory scrutiny.
When to Use: Business or academic analysis.
27. Exclusive Authority
Meaning: Unique power granted to one party.
Example: The agency had exclusive authority.
When to Use: Legal or administrative writing.
28. Supply Control
Meaning: Power over availability of goods.
Example: Supply control allowed price manipulation.
When to Use: Economic or logistical contexts.
29. Trade Dominance
Meaning: Strong influence over trade activities.
Example: Trade dominance weakened competitors.
When to Use: Economic or global market writing.
30. Market Exclusivity
Meaning: Exclusive access to a market.
Example: Market exclusivity protected profits.
When to Use: Business strategy or marketing content.
Choosing the Right Synonym for “Monopoly”
Selecting the right synonym depends on your tone and purpose:
| Tone / Context | Best Synonyms |
|---|---|
| Neutral / Explanatory | Sole Provider, Single Supplier, Market Power |
| Business / Corporate | Dominance, Market Control, Exclusivity |
| Academic / Formal | Hegemony, Trade Monopoly, Economic Dominance |
| Legal / Regulatory | Exclusive Rights, Trust, Exclusive Authority |
| Informal / Media | Cornering the Market, One-Company Rule |
Cultural Tip
In formal or academic writing, “hegemony” and “market power” sound more precise. In media or blogs, “cornering the market” feels more engaging and readable.
Conclusion
Understanding the synonyms of monopoly helps you describe control, exclusivity, and dominance more accurately. Each word—whether dominance, sole ownership, or market supremacy—adds a distinct shade of meaning.
By choosing the right synonym, you sharpen clarity and tone, making your writing stronger and more precise. Every controlled market has a monopoly—and the right word makes its power unmistakable.
