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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6
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Similar incidents also happened in Talbot County, where dissenters were imprisoned by the occupying military command. Paul Callahan, Baltimore Sun, 29 May 2025 There are also various smart-home technologies that rely on voice commands, which can facilitate everything from calling neighbors to ordering groceries. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025
Verb
Super close, straight down the barrel, and with two actors who can command the shot where others might wither. Daron James, IndieWire, 27 May 2025 Rapp strutted across the stage in a corseted top and golden belts, commanding the Fontainebleau’s attention. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for command
Recent Examples of Synonyms for command
Noun
  • Residents were advised to heed official warnings throughout the severe weather cycle and stay alert for any additional storm advisories or emergency instructions.
    Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • The only instructions for the theater audience that night will be to get their butts in the seats before curtain.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Bournemouth had been preparing for Torres to start and knowing the Spain defender’s proficiency in possession, Iraola allowed Konsa to have the first pass before pressing.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish, limited proficiency in Chinese and French.
    Pat Maio, Oc Register, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • 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.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
  • An employee uses a radio transceiver at the control room for traffic and crowd management for pilgrims at the General Transport Centre at the Royal Commission for Mecca and Holy Sites in Mecca on June 3, 2025.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Scenic hiking trails weave through quiet valleys, offering breathtaking views of wildlife in their natural habitat.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • The poll found that only 20% of U.K. adults had a favorable view of Markle, while 65% of respondents had a negative view of the duchess.
    Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • As part of his administration’s campaign against DEI programs, Trump has also ordered federal agencies, including FERC, to stop considering environmental justice in decision-making.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
  • Showtime has ordered an eighth season of its drama The Chi, putting the show into rare company at the outlet.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • On June 4, lawyers for the 27-year-old rapper and Twitch streamer – born Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. – requested a temporary emergency order in Los Angeles Superior Court, according to a filing reviewed by USA TODAY.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • Officials discussed requesting state and county funding for future recreation opportunities.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • While Venis, Randall and Hugo hold firm that no one should slow down technological advancement just to prevent people from using it for evil, the government and the media begin demanding that Venis step up and solve the problem.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 31 May 2025
  • The Hillsborough Family Support Group spent decades demanding further investigations take place.
    Julia Andersen, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Kim had ordered the destroyer to be restored before the late June plenary session of the ruling Workers’ Party, calling the matter one of national honor.
    Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
  • The ruling party controls 19 governorships and more than 90% of the National Assembly seats.
    Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/command. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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