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 command was stark: Fire the utility’s CEO, Don Moul, or prepare to be fired. —Alexander C. Kaufman, The Atlantic, 16 July 2025 From a Motor City freeway in the pouring rain to the bucolic streets of the Grosse Pointes, the Escalade feels cushy and in command. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 16 July 2025
Verb
The rapper performed for just over an hour, commanding the stage alongside DJ Infamous. —Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025 Most players make in the low- to mid-six figures and top imports can command seven figures, compared to the G League minimum of $40,500 for those not directly signed with NBA clubs. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 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
  • Opt-in systems are most effective when paired with instruction about disasters and how to respond to warnings, Sellnow said, making education a crucial responsibility of local governments.
    — Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Ripa's follow-up instructions, however, sent him off the deep end.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • Reality: Technical proficiency with CRM systems, marketing automation tools and analytics platforms is essential for integrating systems and ensuring data flows smoothly.
    — Vivek Vishal, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • The required soccer proficiency is believed to be a main reason behind the recasting of the role, played by Gus Turner is Seasons 1-3.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 21 July 2025
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    — Oli Gamp, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • And in today’s digital world, even a small mistake—intentional or not—can quickly spiral out of control and damage trust.
    — Maria Trochimezuk, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • The reopening has created a buzz among locals and visitors alike, offering a unique way to cool off in the city—with Eiffel Tower views included.
    — Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • The basement is finished and, besides a wine cellar and laundry room, is ready to be transformed into a home theater, wellness center, or both, while the roof terrace provides neighborhood and city views.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 July 2025
Definition of view
Verb
  • Fans can order custom looks — and tiny accessories to match — at their local David's Bridal store by making an appointment with the alterations team, according to a press release.
    — Erin Clack, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • For a low-calorie, sugar-free option, order a Caffè Misto with 2% milk or a non-dairy milk, like coconut or almond milk.
    — Jillian Kubala, Health, 15 July 2025
Definition of order
Verb
  • Law enforcement determined the child is not a runaway, and a custody dispute is not the sole reason for requesting an activation.
    — Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Outline the problem, include your supporting documentation, and request a reasonable solution within a specified timeframe.
    — Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Definition of request
Verb
  • Some destinations also demand a certain amount of flexibility.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • Arizona Attorney Kris Mayes announced the issuance of a demand letter to the Elton Apartment Homes and Diamond Asset Management, LLC, demanding immediate action to address the lack of proper air conditioning in a Phoenix apartment complex.
    — Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of demand
Verb
  • Residents in the Mies van der Rohe Cooperatives said they were enthused after a Wayne County Circuit Court judge ruled that the company would be barred from working on their property through the fall.
    — Dana Afana, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
  • After the district court ruled against Davis, she was ordered to pay $100,000 in damages to the couple and $260,000 for their attorneys fees and expenses.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 25 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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