COMMANDERS Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

commanders

noun

plural of commander

as in commandants

one in official command especially of a military force or base a surrender of the fort by the commander without a single shot having been fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in captains

a person in overall command of a ship the intrepid commander of the HMS Surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of commanders This can give commanders a clearer picture of the battlespace and potentially reduce the time needed to respond to a threat. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026 Two of Kennon’s commanders questioned the denial, with a captain offering to let Kennon go in his place. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026 Responding to three years of airspace violations, Spinu suggested, has allowed Romanian and allied pilots and commanders to study Russian munitions, flight patterns and capabilities -- plus their own abilities in engaging such threats. — David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026 Fire commanders said the threat to homes and businesses has largely passed. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 Some commanders hope to use AI to support war game analysis and to help develop military courses of action. — Emelia S. Probasco, Foreign Affairs, 20 Aug. 2026 Israel’s military said that Tuesday’s strike had targeted a meeting of four Hamas commanders and additional militants, including one who had participated in the 2023 attack. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Sources told the Wall Street Journal Arab intelligence detected preparations for a wider war, including the deployment of Iranian commanders, weapons, and intelligence to regional militias aligned with the regime. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026 Military commanders, engineers, physicians, merchants, and administrators from conquered peoples could enter imperial service, demonstrating a level of social mobility uncommon in contemporary states. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commanders

Noun

Wideout/linebacker Sawyer Haley, wideout/defensive back Levi Carlucci and lineman Jaysson Pittman are the team’s senior captains.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026
Kansas junior quarterback Cole Ballard has been voted one of five team captains for the 2026 college football season, the KU football program announced Wednesday night on social media site X.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of captains

Noun

The American League and National League teams will be managed by John Schneider and Dave Roberts, respectively, the skippers of last year’s World Series clubs.

— Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Ludwig says many breakfast skippers end up overeating at night.

— Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 13 May 2026

Definition of skippers

Noun

Bagherzadeh earlier called on the Red Cross to aid the pilots out of concern for their physical condition, Tasnim said.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Responding to three years of airspace violations, Spinu suggested, has allowed Romanian and allied pilots and commanders to study Russian munitions, flight patterns and capabilities -- plus their own abilities in engaging such threats.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026