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
Langer loves to recall the eagle on the par-5 13th that put him in command en route to the 1993 championship. —Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2025 Over the next two months, the initiative will be evaluated and refined before expanding to other commands. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
The eat-in kitchen is large, has commanding views toward the river, and will undoubtedly serve as the heart of the home, whether for daily living or entertaining. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025 But when the can was lifted off Paredes, Officer Michael Jeffrey commanded his K9, Tex, to bite. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 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
  • Middle-schoolers will receive 90 minutes of reading instruction, and elementary students 120 minutes, a day.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2025
  • With it, the foundation, in collaboration with the Expressive Arts Institute, plans to bring arts instruction to 25 schools in the district, and to more than 4,700 students.
    — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • My proficiency in calculus and analytics led me to study economics as an undergraduate student and then to pursue an MBA in finance.
    — Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • His all-round game is now beginning to match his proficiency in front of goal, which has brought four goals in his last three games.
    — Steve Madeley, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • Sponsors have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    — Austin Mock, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • There is also the underlying issue of whether a crypto investor uses a third party for custody at all, or maintains total custody and trading control over their holdings.
    — Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • The six women are also among a select few people who have ever had the opportunity to board Blue Origin's famous New Shepard spacecraft, which transports up to six passengers to experience weightlessness and stunning views of Earth.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • True to its name, the property has two types of bungalows, waterfront or garden, that come with outdoor soaking tubs that offer views of the ocean or lush tropical plants.
    — Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of view
Verb
  • The Duke and Duchess of Windsor ordered pieces that were full of personality and wit.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Robert King, 35, who was charged with transmitting interstate threats in federal court on Monday, was ordered to stay in detention by U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Toliver after a hearing in Dallas on Wednesday afternoon, Fox News confirmed.
    — Elizabeth Pritchett, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of order
Verb
  • After requesting and being granted his release from the Professional Fighters League, Pitbull signed with the UFC and has landed a major fight on one of the year’s biggest cards.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Anyone will information on the incident is requested to contact the Anchorage Police Department at 311 or 907-786-8900.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of request
Verb
  • In one letter, Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee demanded a list of every citizen detained during the new administration.
    — Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The fairway bunkers are positioned to demand accuracy off the tee.
    — Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of demand
Verb
  • Johnston, however, ruled another section of the law in question constitutional.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • In its opinion on Monday, the Supreme Court ruled that each Venezuelan immigrant facing deportation under the Alien Enemies Act must file an individual challenge as a habeas petition.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 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 19 Apr. 2025.

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