1
as in presiding
highest in rank or authority
with the death of the general, he instantly became the commanding officer on the field of battle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in prominent
likely to attract attention
even in a room filled with world leaders, he was a commanding presence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in directing
Related Words
1
as in instructing
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority
the general commanded his troops with Caesar-like imperiousness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ordering
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority
the governor has commanded that all state flags be flown at half-mast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in demanding
to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority
an act of courage that commands the admiration of all who witnessed it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in governing
to exercise authority or power over
a cabinet secretary who commands the largest department in the federal government
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5
as in having
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
local government does not command the resources that are needed to respond to such a huge disaster
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in dominating
to look down on
for centuries an imposing castle has commanded that stretch of the river
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in leading
to serve as leader of
the head of the agency commands an army of workers trained to respond to the immediate needs of disaster victims
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in asking
to set or receive as a price
commands a high fee for his decorating services
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commanding
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 21 Nov. 2025
Boy Detectives, knows her way around a commanding feminine personality.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Kele takes a fast and commanding lead, getting to the puzzle before either of the other tribes can make it through their rope gate and up the wall.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 1 Oct. 2025
Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025
While Charlotte had a commanding lead by halftime, its strong play continued.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commanding
Adjective
This is not to slight Cynthia Erivo, who is also gifted and a commanding presence.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 21 Nov. 2025
Boy Detectives, knows her way around a commanding feminine personality.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
The Los Angeles Dodgers were at risk of squandering a potential commanding lead in the National League Division Series when Roberts summoned Alex Vesia into the cauldron.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Kele takes a fast and commanding lead, getting to the puzzle before either of the other tribes can make it through their rope gate and up the wall.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
The last poll of New Jersey voters suggests that Democrat Mikie Sherrill will win a commanding victory over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in today’s gubernatorial election.
—Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025
While Charlotte had a commanding lead by halftime, its strong play continued.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commanding
Adjective
-
Art enthusiasts Hans Ottinot, a prominent Broward attorney, and Nelson Adams, a Miami obstetrician associated with Jackson Memorial, are central to the museum’s dream team.—
Dorothy Jenkins Fields,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
This pair, complete with the prominent markings always featured on the classic style, has a memory foam insert and a rubber sole that’s especially good for slippery winter weather.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Pfeil also delved into directing, serving as an assistant director for Shotgun Stories, Take Shelter and Providence.—
Audrey Schmidt,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Currently in production, the film is written and produced by Luc Besson with Barthélémy Grossmann directing.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Issue guidance instructing pharmacists and other health care providers to encourage COVID-19 vaccines, as well as to prescribe and administer them.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Goya’s print with this quote originally features a master donkey, seemingly instructing a disciple.—
Mario Rodriguez,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In ordering the culling, CFIA repeatedly cited the need to prevent damage to the country’s nearly $7 billion poultry industry.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Participants are asked to avoid shopping, streaming, ordering online and purchasing fast food.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Cashier Sandra Cornejo said the suspect ordered Oreo ice cream before pulling out a knife and demanding money.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Built for demanding factory environments Atlas is a fully electric humanoid robot with 56 degrees of freedom, meaning 56 independently controllable joints that allow fluid, human-like motion.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Smith maintained many of the gifts cited by Cannon fell under exceptions to the disclosure rules, including those governing charity event tickets and gifts for birthdays or holidays.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Or at least the craziest until Malinin began doing on ice back flips during the 2024-25 season after the International Skating Union, the sport’s global governing body, lifted a ban on the stunt.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
There were fires that needed putting out across the team and having Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in form has helped extinguish a number of them.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
He was suspended to begin the 1995 season for cocaine and admitted to having a substance abuse problem.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Rather than creating a harsh line, the fresh fringe moves and breathes, complementing her features instead of dominating them.—
María Munsuri,
Glamour,
6 Jan. 2026
-
That fuels hopes that pills could help address the long-standing affordability hurdles tied to the weekly injections dominating the weight loss drug market.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commanding. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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