1
as in to hijack
to take control of (a vehicle) by force
an airliner commandeered by terrorists
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
commandeered all of the equipment, as if the chem lab belonged solely to him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commandeer
Soldiers have also commandeered buildings to use as bases, such as an under-construction hospital.
—
Samuel Granados, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Acronyms and jargon illegible to civilians are flying everywhere, and the world effectively shrinks down to a two-story duplex the Americans have commandeered and the market across the street viewed almost exclusively through a sniper’s scope.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2025
Each battleship has a handful of turrets and shield generators that look like the Eye of Sauron that must be disposed of before the Doom Slayer can commandeer the ship and take it down from the inside.
—Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
Tailoring Black Style, was transparently political: commandeering black celebrities just the way the Democratic Party does.
—Armond White, National Review, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Samuel Granados, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Acronyms and jargon illegible to civilians are flying everywhere, and the world effectively shrinks down to a two-story duplex the Americans have commandeered and the market across the street viewed almost exclusively through a sniper’s scope.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2025
Each battleship has a handful of turrets and shield generators that look like the Eye of Sauron that must be disposed of before the Doom Slayer can commandeer the ship and take it down from the inside.
—Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
Tailoring Black Style, was transparently political: commandeering black celebrities just the way the Democratic Party does.
—Armond White, National Review, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commandeer
Verb
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This latest warning is similar to the list of Android apps hijacked to trick users into giving up their crypto wallet login details.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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This attack enables hackers to hijack mobile numbers, intercept one-time passwords, and take over bank accounts without the user’s consent, leaving no trace.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
Verb
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The Astros did not seize it, bypassing infielder Brice Matthews in favor of journeymen veterans Cooper Hummel and Luis Guillorme.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
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Creators are making money via social media and e-commerce platforms every day, so there’s no reason why freelancers can’t seize the opportunity as well.—
Chelsea Tobin,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Verb
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The Pennsylvania State Game Commission confiscated the wildcats as part of an ongoing investigation.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
12 June 2025
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Police would have the power to ticket, impound vehicles, confiscate personal property, revoke licenses and levy heavy fines.—
Paul Vallas,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2025
Verb
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Every member of the Fulbright Program’s board resigned after accusing the Trump Administration of usurping its authority and canceling scholarships for nearly 200 U.S. professors and researchers.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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In that case, filed in federal court in the District of Columbia, the judge said the president’s attempt to use a federal agency to enact a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voting usurped the power of states and Congress, which at the time was considering legislation that would do just that.—
Leah Willingham,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2025
Verb
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And like the most recent case out of Iowa, stealing someone else’s flag to burn could also be criminal, the organization said.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
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Also starring Clooney in a leading role, The Monuments Men tells the true story of a group of museum curators, art historians and architects tasked with an unlikely mission: tracking down and recovering priceless works of art stolen by the Nazis before they’re destroyed forever.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Verb
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For example, lead scoring is a great starting point: AI can quickly sort through historical data to highlight which leads are most likely to convert.—
David Kelley,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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Boos rained down much of the evening, with frustration directed at the referees and the Checkers’ inability to convert on their powerplay opportunities.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
24 June 2025
Verb
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In the few months since its launch, JD.com has grabbed 7.5% of China’s food-delivery market after its daily meal orders reached 20 million on May 13, according to a May 14 research note from Blue Lotus Capital Advisors.—
Yue Wang,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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In Monday night’s first quarter after falling to the court, Haliburton winced and grabbed his lower right leg.—
Shakeia Taylor,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Balloon animals and face painting kept children occupied, as did an axe-throwing exhibition.—
Hank Beckman,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
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The royal design that once occupied solely libraries, studies, and lodges has found new fans By Anna Elise Anderson June 17, 2025 All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.—
Anna Elise Anderson,
Architectural Digest,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commandeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commandeer. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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