command 1 of 2

1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

command

2 of 2

verb

1
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
4
5
6
as in to dominate
to look down on for centuries an imposing castle has commanded that stretch of the river

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Fastball command, two-seam, four-seam, was kind of all over the place. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025 The robot, tired of always having to follow its charges’ dull commands, has hacked the program that governs its actions and achieved free will. Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 5 July 2025
Verb
Officers drew their service weapons and held Simpson at gunpoint while commanding him numerous times to drop his firearm. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 He was promoted to command the criminal investigation division as a lieutenant. Michael R. Wickline, Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for command
Recent Examples of Synonyms for command
Noun
  • The first is do not send or accept wire instructions by email.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
  • Some sirens can broadcast specific instructions, which can help.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The first Black principal in that town, he is credited with reducing arrests, suspensions, and disciplinary actions and increasing academic proficiency.
    Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
  • Employers need to see results, and results scream proficiency.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • If the Supreme Court grants Trump control over the NLRB, said Calemine of the AFL-CIO, workers will be the ones who suffer.
    Gabriel Thompson, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • And there’s no attempt to mask the scent of Soviet-style control here.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • According to StreetEasy, there are plenty of units available to buy, though only one to rent: a $49,500-per-month three-bedroom with views of the Hudson River and sort of disappointingly gray custom Bulthaup cabinetry.
    Brendan O'Connor, Curbed, 7 July 2025
  • But much of the criticism focused on one of the paper’s sources, an pseudonymous academic on Twitter whose views on affirmative action and race and IQ have faced intense criticism.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The company has been ordering fireworks a year in advance, Marietta said.
    Tim Hrenchir, USA Today, 1 July 2025
  • Some of those claims were dismissed by a judge in 2024, but the lawsuit was still ordered to move forward; in June, however, Lizzo filed an appeal aimed at shutting it down for good on the grounds that the dancers’ claims clashed with her First Amendment rights.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • By postgame Friday, Correa felt good enough to request to play in Saturday’s afternoon game, but Twins trainers declined.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • Hoyos, 20, requested that applicants create a final product that was engaging, cohesive and matched her specific style.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • As regulation tightens and stakeholders demand greater transparency, the investment thesis for decarbonizing real estate assets has sharpened.
    Ali Hoss, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Advertisement Hamas, meanwhile, has vowed not to disband and is demanding a full withdrawal of the Israel Defense Force (IDF) from Gaza.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • His cause of death was ruled an accidental overdose by the Los Angeles medical examiner.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • The judge has not yet ruled on a request by Los Angeles city, county and seven other municipalities to join the lawsuit.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/command. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on command

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!