The term 'hold sway' can be defined as having power or influence over a situation. This term can be broken down into three crossword solutions: REIGN (5 letters), RULE (4 letters), and PREDOMINATE (11 letters). REIGN is a synonym for RULE, and it means to exercise sovereign power or authority. RULE is another word for govern, and it means to exercise authority or control over something. PREDOMINATE is a more general term, and it means to be the most powerful or influential factor in a situation. All three of these words are related to the term 'hold sway, ' and they all refer to having power or influence over a situation.