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

The concept is based upon unfussy Italian cooking with local ingredients, commandeered by a chef whose background is in looking after Italy’s most prestigious families, rather than restaurants. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Since last year, when the RSF overran parts of Darfur and Kordofan, the militia has commandeered the gum trade, integrating it into its smuggling empire and further starving government coffers. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026

The police had established barriers for the zone earlier in the afternoon, which rioters commandeered to fight back against police. — Preston Mizell, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026

If squirrels have commandeered your bird feeder, take it down for a few days. — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 28 May 2026