commander in chief

noun phrase

Synonyms of commander in chiefnext
: one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

Examples of commander in chief in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the problem is bigger than any single commander in chief. ABC News, 6 May 2026 That's the prerogative of the commander in chief. CBS News, 4 May 2026 So, the president will move up an escalation ladder responsibly, as our amazing military will follow those orders with him as the commander in chief until Iran comes to the table and and really lives up to a responsible deal that the vice president has put on the table. NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026 Zaluzhnyi was the commander in chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commander in chief

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of commander in chief was in 1654

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Cite this Entry

“Commander in chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commander%20in%20chief. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

commander in chief

: one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

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