Synonyms of commandeer

commandeer

verb

ˌkä-mən-ˈdir 

1

as in to hijack

to take control of (a vehicle) by force

an airliner commandeered by terrorists

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hijack
• confiscate
• seize
• carjack
• appropriate
• expropriate
• skyjack

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

• seize
• confiscate
• usurp
• steal
• convert
• grab
• occupy
• invade
• preempt
• arrogate
• claim
• appropriate
• assume
• expropriate
• pirate
• annex
• take over
• snatch
• attach
• repossess
• impound
• press
• loot
• pillage
• despoil
• wrest
• encroach
• grasp
• infringe
• embezzle
• sequester
• trespass
• preoccupy
• wrench
• misappropriate
• misuse
• misapply
• collar
• peculate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of commandeer

Throughout the weekend, Elliott Martin, the FIA’s WEC electronics manager, and a small team commandeer a trailer at the back of the paddock, keeping an eye on dangerous data coming off the cars. — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

The Jackson campaign had commandeered the green room Bottoms and her aides were supposed to use for the event. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

John’s little motorbike proves no match for the large truck commandeered by the T-1000, which blasts through a cinder block wall at one point. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Westfield Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, California, began charging in 2022 to discourage commuters, travelers and other people not parking there to shop from commandeering all the spots. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026