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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commandeer
Another solution is to manipulate the game with your mind versus commandeering physically.
—
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 20 Dec. 2025
That set off a flurry of diplomatic efforts among European leaders, outraged at the thought of the White House commandeering assets in their custody.
—Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
And for those weary of sharing the property, rest assured that guests are free to roam the backyard and commandeer the pool at their convenience.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 16 Dec. 2025
Unfortunately, the Potomac franchise does not exist in reality but instead is a mildly dystopian parallel universe commandeered by the chaotic whims of Big Sister General Gizelle Bryant; therefore, Angel being a general pill doesn’t suffice as a legitimate reason to take issue with her.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 20 Dec. 2025
That set off a flurry of diplomatic efforts among European leaders, outraged at the thought of the White House commandeering assets in their custody.
—Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
And for those weary of sharing the property, rest assured that guests are free to roam the backyard and commandeer the pool at their convenience.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 16 Dec. 2025
Unfortunately, the Potomac franchise does not exist in reality but instead is a mildly dystopian parallel universe commandeered by the chaotic whims of Big Sister General Gizelle Bryant; therefore, Angel being a general pill doesn’t suffice as a legitimate reason to take issue with her.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commandeer
Verb
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Security researchers say attackers recently hijacked a legitimate email feature inside Google Cloud.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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There will never again be one rogue program hijacking the sport with attitude and intimidation.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Venezuela seized Exxon's and Conoco's assets in 2007, and Caracas owes the companies billions of dollars in outstanding claims from arbitration cases.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
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Hannah Natanson, who covers the federal government, was at home when the FBI searched the property and her devices, seizing a phone, Garmin watch and both a personal and work laptop, according to the news organization.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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French authorities confiscated the cocaine.—
Jay Weaver
January 8,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
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While raising the kids together, Ruby and Hildebrandt abused the two youngest children with harsh punishments and torture, according to Ruby's journal that was later confiscated.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Vintage fiberglass end chairs and a pair of cushy benches usurped the traditional dining set.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
12 Jan. 2026
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Allowing the programs to lapse further would create unintended—and unwelcome—opportunities for foreign adversaries, which could usurp America’s influence in both regions, Murphy wrote.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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One of the more entertaining theories to explain Indiana’s success is that a Hoosiers staffer hacked a cloud to steal the opponent’s game plans.—
Mac Engel
January 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
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The perfect partner for the look is a powder pink clutch and stole, both with embroidery that matches the dress.—
Ana Serrano,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Uniqlo designs the beanie with a moisture-wicking nylon blend that converts the body’s moisture into heat while preventing it from escaping.—
Alison Syrett Cleary,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
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The 6-6 Oldacre converted 7 of 8 shots from the floor and 9 of 12 free throws.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Start your very own love affair with Outcrease Retinol Trifecta Serum by grabbing a bottle today, and check out some of Dermelect’s other skin correcting serums and facial oils below.—
Michelle Baricevic,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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Madison outrebounded Point Loma 36-24, with Stevens grabbing seven and Moore five.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The final part of the dormancy evolution puzzle is what ecologists refer to as the ecological niche a species occupies — the specific set of conditions that species evolved to exploit or the conditions under which that species is likely to be more successful when compared to other species.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
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Inside, authorities found fresh groceries, animals, and other signs that people are actively occupying some of the units.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commandeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commandeer. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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