Synonyms of commandeers

commandeers

verb

present tense third-person singular of commandeer

1

as in hijacks

to take control of (a vehicle) by force

an airliner commandeered by terrorists

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hijacks
• confiscates
• appropriates
• seizes
• carjacks
• skyjacks
• expropriates

2

as in seizes

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

• seizes
• confiscates
• grabs
• usurps
• steals
• occupies
• appropriates
• converts
• preempts
• invades
• assumes
• arrogates
• claims
• expropriates
• pirates
• annexes
• attaches
• snatches
• presses
• takes over
• loots
• repossesses
• sequesters
• pillages
• impounds
• grasps
• encroaches
• despoils
• wrests
• embezzles
• infringes
• preoccupies
• wrenches
• misapplies
• misappropriates
• misuses
• trespasses
• collars
• peculates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of commandeers

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

An exciting scene ramps up the action as Castle commandeers a German tank and drives it over a cliff. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 June 2026

The service Bjorn commandeers a small team, and often doubles up as bartender, concierge, and sauna turn-oner. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026

In the middle of the stuffy reception, Jenny commandeers the A/V system, blasting punk rock while a squad of models, clad in her early-aughts emo designs, climb on tables. — Matthew Huff, Vanity Fair, 22 Dec. 2025

When the State Department commandeers the West Virginia hotel to house Axis diplomats in the wake of Pearl Harbor, June realizes that nothing will ever be the same again. — Audiofile Magazine august 29, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025