command 1 of 2

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as in proficiency
a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something a command of French that is the result of a year spent in France as an exchange student

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in headquarters
the place from which a commander runs operations the general set up his command in the old port city

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4
as in seat
a place from which authority is exercised central command

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as in view
all that can be seen from a certain point from his mountain perch, the scout had a command of the entire valley

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command

2 of 2

verb

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as in to request
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the governor has commanded that all state flags be flown at half-mast

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as in to dominate
to look down on for centuries an imposing castle has commanded that stretch of the river

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7
as in to lead
to serve as leader of the head of the agency commands an army of workers trained to respond to the immediate needs of disaster victims

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8
as in to ask
to set or receive as a price commands a high fee for his decorating services

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun command contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of command are authority, control, dominion, jurisdiction, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When can authority be used instead of command?

The meanings of authority and command largely overlap; however, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

In what contexts can control take the place of command?

Although the words control and command have much in common, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When is it sensible to use dominion instead of command?

While in some cases nearly identical to command, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When is jurisdiction a more appropriate choice than command?

While the synonyms jurisdiction and command are close in meaning, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

Where would power be a reasonable alternative to command?

The synonyms power and command are sometimes interchangeable, but power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When might sway be a better fit than command?

In some situations, the words sway and command are roughly equivalent. However, sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of command
Noun
Immediately after the grep command, the injection called two other, considerably less harmless commands. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025 For many girls, a photo of Earhart beside the Vega was their first glimpse of a woman in command of the sky. Laurie Gwen Shapiro, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 July 2025
Verb
Sez me … There is a game afoot — commanded by our president, no less — for the Washington Commanders to return to their old nickname. Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2025 These latter two, Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn, were funded and commanded by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who until recently was President Donald Trump's choice to lead NASA. Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for command
Recent Examples of Synonyms for command
Noun
  • If the superintendent decides to have a second consecutive e-learning day, there will be synchronous instruction.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The mobius-thinking at times almost seems like Medieval Zen, what with the emphasis on emptiness and silent meditation, and in fact that was what the Church fathers objected to most: too much quiet, solitary contemplation, not enough pious instruction.
    Jon Raymond August 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Reality: Technical proficiency with CRM systems, marketing automation tools and analytics platforms is essential for integrating systems and ensuring data flows smoothly.
    Vivek Vishal, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • The required soccer proficiency is believed to be a main reason behind the recasting of the role, played by Gus Turner is Seasons 1-3.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • The result has been a denial of basic health care to people most in need of it, and a denial of control, dignity and self-determination.
    Don Aptekar, Denver Post, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Then rise to the rooftop pool—its steamy shimmer offering panoramic views of Bath’s golden skyline.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
    Brett Kittredge, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • After being found not guilty, a judge ordered him committed to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Saline for a period of at most 60 days.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
  • On July 29, starting at 12 p.m, EST, M&M’s fans can order their lunch from the brand's website.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • In a joint letter Thursday, both sides requested to hold a confidential settlement conference on August 7.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Democratic members of California’s congressional delegation were briefed on the new map on Monday, according to a person familiar with the meeting who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations.
    Michael R. Blood, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Moreover, regenerative agriculture demands patience.
    Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The choice to hold off on a rate cut will almost certainly result in further conflict between the Fed and White House, as Trump has repeatedly demanded that the central bank reduce borrowing costs as part of his effort to assert control over one of the few remaining independent federal agencies.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Residents in the Mies van der Rohe Cooperatives said they were enthused after a Wayne County Circuit Court judge ruled that the company would be barred from working on their property through the fall.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
  • Gateway Church and former lead pastor Robert Morris must try again to settle an arbitration dispute over Morris’ retirement pay, a Tarrant County district judge ruled Thursday.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/command. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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