commanding

1 of 2

adjective

com·​mand·​ing kə-ˈman-diŋ 

1

: drawing attention or priority

a commanding presence

2

: difficult to overcome

a commanding lead

commandingly

kə-ˈman-diŋ-lē 

adverb

commanding

2 of 2

present participle of command entry 1

Synonyms of commanding

Adjective

• presiding
• chief
• leading
• supreme
• lead
• top
• foremost
• primary
• high
• senior
• first

Examples of commanding in a Sentence

Adjective

He has a very commanding voice.

She holds a commanding lead in the polls.

Our team was in a commanding position as the game neared its end.

The castle is in a commanding position at the top of the hill.

The hill provides a commanding view of the surrounding countryside.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Kardashian paired this noticeable accessory with an equally commanding outfit, wearing a bright white Gucci dress with a plunging neckline. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 8 Nov. 2026

Also contributing to losses were the commanding Democratic victories across the country in Tuesday’s midterm elections. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026

As a young teenager, I was immediately captivated by his commanding presence and charisma portraying King Leodegrance of Cameliard — Queen Guinevere’s noble father and a cunning warrior. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Wembanyama, for his part, is eager to become a more commanding voice on the defensive end. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing commanding

• commanding officer
• commanding presence

Rhymes for commanding

• demanding
• disbanding
• expanding
• freestanding
• misbranding
• outstanding
• remanding
• upstanding
• withstanding
• banding
• branding
• handing