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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in directing
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of commanding
Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2025
Hopefully, more eyes will see it along with Gill’s commanding performance.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025
Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
By inning’s end, the San Diego Padres had knocked starter Kai-Wei Teng out of the game and had a commanding seven-run lead.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Fergus McCaffrey Jacobs’ works are simultaneously serene and visceral, commanding close inspection of the textures and marks that emerge from her painstaking technique.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commanding
Adjective
The spacious accommodations range from 1,834 square feet for the One-Bedroom Duplex Suites, boasting two levels with the bedroom looking out to an outdoor patio, to the exceptional 22,873-square-foot, three-bedroom Royal Villa commanding views of the rice terraces and the Ayung River.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2025
Hopefully, more eyes will see it along with Gill’s commanding performance.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
Garcia has tremendous reflexes and is a commanding presence in the box.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
By inning’s end, the San Diego Padres had knocked starter Kai-Wei Teng out of the game and had a commanding seven-run lead.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
Tucker, 28, is preparing to become the biggest name on the free-agent market this winter, likely commanding a deal in excess of $400 million.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Fergus McCaffrey Jacobs’ works are simultaneously serene and visceral, commanding close inspection of the textures and marks that emerge from her painstaking technique.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commanding
Adjective
-
Kirk, a prominent voice in culture wars on college campuses, hosts a daily radio show and podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, which ranks among the top 10 on Apple News’ list of top podcasts and has a strong Gen Z fan base.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
On Tuesday night, the Nepali army deployed troops to restore order after prominent government buildings were set on fire, politicians were attacked and violent clashes erupted between protesters and government forces.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
According to their sources, Kennedy's ACIP is considering recommending the vaccines to those 75 and older, while instructing those 74 and younger to speak with their doctor about getting a shot.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
12 Sep. 2025
-
To authenticate the identity of the person who’s instructing the agent to transact on their behalf becomes an important part of the future of commerce as well.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
An English menu makes ordering easy.—
Kaila Yu,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Pocketalk's Miller believes that the potential of the technology goes far beyond a tourist ordering a glass of wine in France.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The show's return comes after fans were demanding new episodes following the conclusion of Season 1.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Both levels are far above EU rules demanding that individual members’ deficits should not exceed 3% of GDP, while their public debt should not surpass 60% of economic output.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The National Assembly lacks a clear governing majority and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) seems ever closer to finally winning power.—
Cole Stangler,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Purpose trusts have been around for decades as part of the arcane laws governing how estates are managed.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Devers, who is starting at first on Saturday, has fared well at first base despite having no experience at the position prior to this season.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Despite having a reputation for being at the cutting-edge of technological trends, cash is king in Japan.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Throughout most of the game, the Bears were dominating the day.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
-
After dominating the at the box office this summer, the supernatural horror hit Weapons is finally available to stream at home.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Pictured below, director/actor/executive producer Jason Bateman and his co-star Jude Law are in the clinch of a classic big-time Hollywood-leading-man wattage-throwdown.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
In Egypt, pro-government news outlets already have trumpeted the case as proof that Soliman was leading a secret Brotherhood cell in America.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commanding. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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