Synonyms of commander

commander

noun

kə-ˈman-dər 

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

• commandant
• captain
• commanding officer
• commander in chief
• commissioned officer
• field officer

2

as in captain

a person in overall command of a ship

the intrepid commander of the HMS Surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

• captain
• skipper
• pilot
• admiral
• officer
• skip
• master
• sea captain
• commanding officer
• commodore
• vice admiral
• mate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• crew
• crewman
• crewmate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of commander

Nolan has chosen to portray Odysseus as a warrior and commander, but ignores the wily, pleasure-loving side of his character. — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Priam, the commander of the Troy starbase, shares his name with Troy's last king in antiquity, while Nestor, Ulysses' second in command, is an advisor in the original story. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026

McDivitt served as mission commander for Gemini IV and photographed the first American spacewalk, conducted by command pilot Edward White. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 16 July 2026

Syrsky is known as a more traditional commander, and his reforms have focused on forming new infantry assault groups and procuring traditional weapons. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026

Phrases Containing commander

• commander in chief