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
According to Mohan, a CSDV’s right to serve beer and wine would be at the discretion at each base’s senior commanders.
—
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
High-resolution images of the battlefield were rare, and commanders often had to rely on photos that were days old by the time they were analyzed.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
In his new role, Hampton will also serve as commander of the Sheriff’s Office East Division from the Kilgore Station, according to the release.
—Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Beverly Kiddon, the post commander’s wife, was also pulling for the Seahawks.
—Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commander
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
High-resolution images of the battlefield were rare, and commanders often had to rely on photos that were days old by the time they were analyzed.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
In his new role, Hampton will also serve as commander of the Sheriff’s Office East Division from the Kilgore Station, according to the release.
—Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Beverly Kiddon, the post commander’s wife, was also pulling for the Seahawks.
—Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commander
Noun
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Camp Lejeune’s commandant—a man who commanded both respect and wonder—hosted a reception to introduce us to base and community leadership.—
Jay Sloves,
Hartford Courant,
20 Jan. 2026
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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
Noun
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The victory might have come at a high cost for Canada, which saw captain Sidney Crosby limp to the dressing room in the second period following a collision with Gudas along the boards.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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Canada was trailing 2-1 at the time of Crosby's injury, but rallied to tie the game at 2 thanks to a power play goal from Colorado Avalanche assistant captain Nathan MacKinnon.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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However, Great Britain skipper Bruce Mouat, who entered these Games as the man to beat but has not quite found his best form yet, was in no mood to mess around and promptly scored three points with his first use of the hammer in the sixth end.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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According to skipper Charles Caudrelier, these systems could allow Gitana 18 to hover above waves approaching 10 feet with minimal hull contact, while sustaining average speeds of 40 knots.—
Helen Iatrou,
Robb Report,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commander. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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