1
as in commanders
a person in overall command of a ship
the captain is responsible for everything that happens to his ship in the course of a voyage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in commandants
one in official command especially of a military force or base
the captain of the largest army ever marshaled for battle in this country
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in leaders
the person (as an employer or supervisor) who tells people and especially workers what to do
we only do what the captain tells us to, so it's not our fault when things don't work out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in tycoons
a person of rank, power, or influence in a particular field
a fascinating magazine article profiling the captains of the American auto industry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in supervises
to be in charge of
if you do well on this, you'll be asked to captain the next mission
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in rules
to exercise authority or power over
captained the project for a few days while the boss was out of town
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in commands
to serve as leader of
you did a good job of captaining the team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of captains
Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Nicknamed ‘Dodo’, and a former Ryder Cup-winning golfer himself in 2010, Molinari was Donald’s right-hand man — a first amongst equals compared to the other vice-captains.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
This week’s captains Quarterback Jayden Maiava, linebacker Eric Gentry, defensive lineman Devan Thompkins, snapper Hank Pepper and Ramsey were named captains for Saturday’s game at Illinois.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
The captains of both teams said earlier this week their players are feeling a lot of excitement over being able to play in front of a sitting president.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
He was selected this season by his teammates as one of six team captains.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Strong interest from Brazil’s Palmeiras had a certain appeal — Paraguay team-mates Ramon Sosa and Gustavo Gomez, who captains club and country, are with the Sao Paulo side — but the preference, for Enciso and his camp, was to remain in Europe.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Once the final direct qualifiers have been determined, captains Bradley and Luke Donald must select the remaining six members of their teams.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Gracely, who usually captains larger vessels—oil tankers, container ships—described a stretch when the boat ran on battery power down the Atchafalaya River.
—Adam Iscoe, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
Field hockey college commits like senior captains Kate Schneider (Babson), Kendal Cusack (VCU) and Nadia Michienzi (Union) are athletic and skilled.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Nicknamed ‘Dodo’, and a former Ryder Cup-winning golfer himself in 2010, Molinari was Donald’s right-hand man — a first amongst equals compared to the other vice-captains.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
This week’s captains Quarterback Jayden Maiava, linebacker Eric Gentry, defensive lineman Devan Thompkins, snapper Hank Pepper and Ramsey were named captains for Saturday’s game at Illinois.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
The captains of both teams said earlier this week their players are feeling a lot of excitement over being able to play in front of a sitting president.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
He was selected this season by his teammates as one of six team captains.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
And, John Kraus, who captains the Spirit, is ready.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Strong interest from Brazil’s Palmeiras had a certain appeal — Paraguay team-mates Ramon Sosa and Gustavo Gomez, who captains club and country, are with the Sao Paulo side — but the preference, for Enciso and his camp, was to remain in Europe.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Once the final direct qualifiers have been determined, captains Bradley and Luke Donald must select the remaining six members of their teams.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Gracely, who usually captains larger vessels—oil tankers, container ships—described a stretch when the boat ran on battery power down the Atchafalaya River.
—Adam Iscoe, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captains
Noun
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It’s command structure also transcends traditional nation-state borders by integrating Iranian, Lebanese and Iraqi commanders.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
What's new Daily physical training will be required of every service member and will be enforced by their commanders.—
Luis Martinez,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Goldberg-Polin has become a global advocate for the remaining hostages, meeting with world leaders and speaking publicly about her loss.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The series marks the first mainstream platform uniting India’s entertainment icons with industry tycoons to spotlight fashion entrepreneurship.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Recent years have seen these tycoons entering into the world of politics.—
Senior Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The private firm, which Yu says had $20 million in revenue in 2024, provides consulting, supervises construction and drafts designs for urban landscapes around the world.—
Elisabeth Brier,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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Cucinelli supervises the company’s image and communication, especially through social platforms, and has greatly contributed to reach out to the younger generations.—
WWD Staff,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
If the Court rules that majority-minority districts are constitutionally suspect, challenges could follow in states that recently redrew maps under Section 2 settlements.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Miami rules the state of Florida Miami, clearly, has bigger aspirations after a strong start, but don’t overlook the significance of Saturday’s rivalry win and everything else that has transpired so far.—
Manny Navarro,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But Indy commands the screen and earns his spot as a leader of the 2025 spooky season.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
PEOPLE,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Even for Latines who aren’t necessarily Bad Bunny or reggaeton fans, the artist commands respect.—
Raquel Reichard,
Refinery29,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Others tip over, forcing their skippers to swim back with the boat in tow.—
Marcus Smith,
Sacbee.com,
2 Oct. 2025
-
His 2,252 wins are sixth all-time among all major league managers, with the five skippers ahead of him all in the Hall of Fame.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The police don’t seem to know whether to go with what the stewards are recommending or what their bosses have set out.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The Amazon gift bestsellers span little luxuries that make easy gifts for women, practical picks that double as gifts for men, and culinary crowd-pleasers for bosses or housewarmings.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captains. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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