1
as in to hijack
to take control of (a vehicle) by force
an airliner commandeered by terrorists
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
commandeered all of the equipment, as if the chem lab belonged solely to him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commandeer
The police had established barriers for the zone earlier in the afternoon, which rioters commandeered to fight back against police.
—
Preston Mizell,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2026
If squirrels have commandeered your bird feeder, take it down for a few days.
—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
28 May 2026
But renewable technology, coupled with electrification, is ready for prime time and has now commandeered a starring role.
—
Kathleen Biggins,
Sun Sentinel,
26 May 2026
During the Brooks-Baxter War, the club's quarters were commandeered by armed guards of the Joseph Brooks faction, who locked the members out and then used the facility as a military hospital.
—
Arkansas Online,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Preston Mizell,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2026
If squirrels have commandeered your bird feeder, take it down for a few days.
—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
28 May 2026
But renewable technology, coupled with electrification, is ready for prime time and has now commandeered a starring role.
—
Kathleen Biggins,
Sun Sentinel,
26 May 2026
During the Brooks-Baxter War, the club's quarters were commandeered by armed guards of the Joseph Brooks faction, who locked the members out and then used the facility as a military hospital.
—
Arkansas Online,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commandeer
Verb
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Kara changes her tune when Krem hijacks Kara’s ship and shoots Krypto with a poison dart.
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For more on how attackers can abuse connected devices, see our report on how the FBI warned that more than 1 million Android devices were hijacked by malware.
Verb
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The party has focused on driving down consumer costs, seizing on what polling shows is deep dissatisfaction about the economy and worries about affordability.
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Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who voted against the proposal in mid-June, voiced fears that the list of noncitizen voters would immediately be seized by federal immigration authorities.
Verb
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The agent confiscated the letter, carried by Cuban businessman Roberto Carlos Chamizo, and sent him back to Havana.
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Drone operators who violate the temporary flight restrictions could face fines of up to $100,000, have their equipment confiscated, and potentially face criminal charges, the FBI said.
Verb
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Taylor's episode usurped the Not Gonna Lie host's prior appearances, and Kylie had no issues passing the baton.
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However, the German has — 12 years after claiming the record from the Brazilian Ronaldo with his 16th World Cup goal — been usurped by Messi and, like so many before him, will have to settle for playing second fiddle to the 38-year-old Argentinian.
Verb
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Zach Neto walked to begin the inning but got picked off at first base attempting to steal second.
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Yamal is most likely your favorite player’s favorite player to watch, to steal a somewhat corny adage.
Verb
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There are nods to the environmental devastation wrought by the cattle industry that dominated Southern California in the first half of the 19th century, as well as the Faustian bargain struck by Indigenous people who converted to Catholicism.
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Mark Ford Rosemary Tonks emulated French Symbolist poets before converting to Christianity and renouncing all her own works.
Verb
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Video of the incident showed the professor grabbing and twisting the arm of the pro-Palestinian student.
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As police tried to handcuff Sever, the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office said Sever swung at troopers and forcefully grabbed at a trooper's duty weapon, which was secured in a holster.
Verb
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There is a wide open space for Democrats to occupy that territory.
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Beneath those practical debates, however, American lawyers have gradually come to understand themselves as occupying two roles simultaneously, as Robert Gordon described.
Cite this Entry
“Commandeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commandeer. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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