1
as in commandant
one in official command especially of a military force or base
a surrender of the fort by the commander without a single shot having been fired
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in captain
a person in overall command of a ship
the intrepid commander of the HMS Surprise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commander
Behind the scenes, however, sources say panic is spreading within the armed forces, as commanders struggle to understand who is really in charge — and how far the United States is willing to go.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
Many military commanders were killed.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
For many of these commanders, losing power would mean losing wealth and potentially their life.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
As sector commander, Macon is in charge of operations in the four states surrounding Lake Michigan – Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan – up to Wisconsin's Sturgeon Bay and Michigan’s Leland Peninsula.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commander
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
Many military commanders were killed.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
For many of these commanders, losing power would mean losing wealth and potentially their life.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
As sector commander, Macon is in charge of operations in the four states surrounding Lake Michigan – Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan – up to Wisconsin's Sturgeon Bay and Michigan’s Leland Peninsula.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commander
Noun
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Washington — The Senate confirmed Admiral Kevin Lunday as Coast Guard commandant Thursday night after agency guidance on the display of hate symbols such as swastikas and nooses was clarified.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Dec. 2025
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The family in question belongs to Rudolf Höss, commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp, located right next to his perfect home.—
Will Harris,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Back on the bridge, captain Nærbø steers the Polaris through the same fjords Norwegian ships have navigated for generations.—
Ryan Craggs,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
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Hegseth announced last week that the Pentagon would formally censure Kelly, who retired from the military as a captain, starting the process to reduce his rank and retirement pay.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After three seasons without a ride, Nathan Outteridge rejoins the fray as skipper of the only new team for Season 6, Artemis from Sweden.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2026
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Among his duties in San Diego, Black figures to be a sounding board for first-year manager Craig Stammen, who, like Black, is a rare pitcher turned skipper.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commander. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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