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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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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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

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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

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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 lobster boat also acted as our command and control center, outfitted with high-tech surveillance gadgetry. —Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025 He was charged with criminal trespassing, assault, failure to stop at the command of law enforcement and three counts of violating a court order, per his booking record viewed by PEOPLE. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
On a roller coaster, the theme park commands your full and undivided attention. —Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025 The running back pushed his way home for a one-yard touchdown rush, providing the Fishermen a commanding 42-20 advantage. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 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
  • Each patient was given instructions to continue using the SPFs in the split-face study for the next four days, returning to the office every day for visual assessment.
    — Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Follow evacuation instructions without delay.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • Businesses expect middle managers to have technical proficiency, but also emotional intelligence and the ability to resolve conflicts.
    — Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Chronic absenteeism and third-grade reading proficiency continue to be among the biggest challenges for the district, Dueppen said.
    — Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • Somehow, the Hollywood star was still welcomed into the cockpit by the starstruck flight crew and allowed to briefly take control of the airliner.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Shut out of control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, Democrats are seeking to rebuild their brand with the American electorate following a poor performance during the 2024 presidential election.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • Room for two, a supple ride, a gorgeous view over a curved hood, perfect flow of air up and over the windshield and cockpit with virtually no backsplash to disrupt pleasant conversation, and the ability at any time to experience a rush of power and speed when the moment calls.
    — Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
    — Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of view
Verb
  • The next step can be ordering imaging of your liver like an ultrasound or CT to look for evidence of abnormalities like fat accumulation in your liver.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The organization, a private nonprofit governing and promoting school sports events in the state, is not a defendant in the suit, but was ordered to provide extensive information in a 23-point list of requests included in the subpoena.
    — Samantha Riedel, Them., 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of order
Verb
  • The letter requested an extension of the discovery deadline to accommodate Swift’s schedule.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The band has requested that a judge ensure that all marketing materials associated with the allegedly infringing products be recalled and removed.
    — Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of request
Verb
  • In a letter to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, Jackson demanded that the department place Dever on its Brady list, which tracks officers whose credibility has been hit due to alleged misconduct.
    — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The rules currently demand new cars from 2035 must emit zero CO2.
    — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Definition of demand
Verb
  • These days, as the daughters of Debbie rule the airwaves, that’s what pop music is all about.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
  • That’s because the First Amendment plays a unique role when the government is the employer, Collis explains — and the Supreme Court has ruled that if an employee is acting in a private capacity but speaking on a matter of public concern, they’re protected.
    — Nino Paoli, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025
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 16 Sep. 2025.

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