command 1 of 2

noun

Definition of commandnext
1
as in instruction
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned the captain's commands were followed without question

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in proficiency
a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something a command of French that is the result of a year spent in France as an exchange student

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in headquarters
the place from which a commander runs operations the general set up his command in the old port city

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4
as in seat
a place from which authority is exercised central command

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5
as in control
the right or means to command or control others the army officer in command during the attack

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in view
all that can be seen from a certain point from his mountain perch, the scout had a command of the entire valley

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command

2 of 2

verb

kə-ˈmand How to pronounce command (audio)
1
as in to order
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority the general commanded his troops with Caesar-like imperiousness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to request
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the governor has commanded that all state flags be flown at half-mast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to demand
to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority an act of courage that commands the admiration of all who witnessed it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to rule
to exercise authority or power over a cabinet secretary who commands the largest department in the federal government

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5
as in to own
to keep, control, or experience as one's own local government does not command the resources that are needed to respond to such a huge disaster

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6
as in to dominate
to look down on for centuries an imposing castle has commanded that stretch of the river

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7
as in to lead
to serve as leader of the head of the agency commands an army of workers trained to respond to the immediate needs of disaster victims

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in to ask
to set or receive as a price commands a high fee for his decorating services

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun command contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of command are authority, control, dominion, jurisdiction, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When can authority be used instead of command?

The meanings of authority and command largely overlap; however, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

In what contexts can control take the place of command?

Although the words control and command have much in common, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When is it sensible to use dominion instead of command?

While in some cases nearly identical to command, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When is jurisdiction a more appropriate choice than command?

While the synonyms jurisdiction and command are close in meaning, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

Where would power be a reasonable alternative to command?

The synonyms power and command are sometimes interchangeable, but power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When might sway be a better fit than command?

In some situations, the words sway and command are roughly equivalent. However, sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of command
Noun
The Cavs won Game 5 in Detroit to take command — albeit briefly — of the series, then lost 115-94 with a chance to close out the series at home on Friday. —CBS News, 16 May 2026 Gray and his superb cast are in blazing form and full command here in a bruising movie that reveals the heavy price of pursuing the American Dream too recklessly, instead of heeding Aeschylus’ words. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Verb
But just after ignition, due to an automatic abort from the ground systems, a hard shutdown was commanded. —ArsTechnica, 18 May 2026 Among early-stage deals, Carta's 2025 State of Startups report flagged leaner team structures as a defining characteristic of AI-native companies commanding premium valuations. —Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for command
Recent Examples of Synonyms for command
  1. instruction
  2. proficiency
  3. control
  4. view
  5. order
  6. request
  7. demand
  8. rule
Noun
  • L’Equipe reported last week that Marseille’s staff were running out of patience with him and that Beye had interrupted a training session in frustration after the 24-year-old ignored his instructions.
    — Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • For those wishing to hone their game, The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee, created in partnership with TaylorMade, offers innovative technology and personal instruction at the highest level.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • The most in-demand skill profiles combine technical proficiency with strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking — and employers consistently report that finding candidates with both is their greatest hiring challenge.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • After two straight games of offensive proficiency to begin this season, the Valkyries struggled to find a rhythm against the Chicago Sky.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • To take an example that would be potentially devastating to the Republicans, imagine that the Democrats took full control of the state government in Georgia.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Private equity companies would be banned from investing in youth sports teams, leagues, facilities and events under a new federal bill, a move lawmakers say would lower participation costs for families and restore control of a public good to local communities.
    — Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • That would, in their view, allow for more teams to reach the field based on strength of schedule instead of conference affiliation.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • Bates also expressed concern that, under the Administration’s view of the case, its determination that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional cannot be challenged in court.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Definition of view
Verb
  • If there are Porthilly oysters on the menu don’t even think about ordering another starter.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, Hester has been privately dealing with mental lapses and throbbing headaches, refraining from telling her family about the medical tests her doctor ordered.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Definition of order
Verb
  • The body also approved a resolution requesting a deeper analysis into the design of the project and how transportation could be improved in the region.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
  • In-app users can only request take-it-or-leave-it odds set externally, often by large financial entities and professional bettors.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 13 May 2026
Definition of request
Verb
  • This shift will only happen if the public demands it.
    — Shianne LeClaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • The device will be evaluated in real operating conditions, with the aim of verifying its performance, robustness, reliability and ease of maintenance in the demanding marine environment.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
Definition of demand
Verb
  • Hicks' cause of death was asphyxiation and his manner of death was ruled a suicide.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • Since the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled against the arcades in 2022, police have started cracking down.
    — Jeff A. Chamer May 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Definition of rule

Phrases Containing command

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comma
command
commandant
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Cite this Entry

“Command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/command. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on command

Nglish: Translation of command for Spanish Speakers

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