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

This data could be leveraged for surveillance or intelligence, and robots could be remotely commandeered. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

There is a seasonal meadow of two dozen native wildflowers, and a year-round spectacle of sandaster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia) commandeers much of the front yard. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Amazon’s willingness to take TNF off the hands of Fox (which subsequently opted out of the final season of its deal) worked out in everyone’s favor, but no Big Tech player has yet to commandeer a package of similar import. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026

Trump also announced no plans to try to commandeer the authority to run elections that are, under the Constitution, overseen by the states. — Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026