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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of commanding
News Desk, Artforum, 29 Sep. 2025
Up by 20 points in the third quarter, the Minnesota Lynx failed to take a commanding lead in their WNBA semifinal series Tuesday night.
—Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 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
Since the late 90s, Jungen has forged a name for himself internationally through his commanding sculptural practice.
—News Desk, Artforum, 29 Sep. 2025
Up by 20 points in the third quarter, the Minnesota Lynx failed to take a commanding lead in their WNBA semifinal series Tuesday night.
—Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 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
-
The team settled for adding TE Josh Whyle and defensive lineman Arron Mosby from the practice squad to the active roster, but Green Bay is apparently in on one prominent free-agent defensive back as well.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Several prominent business leaders have already voiced cautious optimism, seeing in Mamdani a chance to reset the relationship between City Hall and commerce.—
Sally Susman,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
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
-
Standing in the way of technology development is not a good look for the Democratic Party, but demanding that tech companies foot the bill for the need to modernize, upgrade and massively expand utility electricity generation would be a good position to take.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
New Yorkers have always risen to critical moments—demanding not perfection, but courage and connection.—
Sally Susman,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The election is over; governing begins.—
Sally Susman,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Non-residency, delinquency, or even unresolved governing document violations are not reasons to deny any owner a ballot.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Fast and Free High-rise Tight 25-inch 5-pocket There’s simply no such thing as having too many pockets, as exhibited by these fan-favorite five-pocket leggings, which are currently $69.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
-
However, after having the scan, Bishop had the uneasy sense that something wasn’t right.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Billboard’s Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that will be dominating playlists this weekend and beyond.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Elsewhere on the ice, Jordan Stolz is a favorite to medal in speedskating after dominating in both the 500 meters and the 1,000 meters over the last two years in the sport’s world cup.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commanding. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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