commanding officer

Definition of commanding officernext
as in commander
one in official command especially of a military force or base reported directly to the fort's commanding officer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 commanding officer In 2013, Colonel Margolin, who had been serving as commanding officer of Quantico’s Security Battalion, was removed from command after negligently discharging a personal firearm, according to news reports at the time. Chris Cameron, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 San-ho convinces Mun-ju to go warn the commanding officer, and to ask for a bomb expert. Kayti Burt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025 In 1955, Wilson has named commanding officer of Camp Pendleton’s 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025 Charlie was my commanding officer. Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commanding officer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commanding officer
Noun
  • If Running Fence was a war, Jeanne-Claude was clearly the commander.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Iran has also plotted to assassinate senior US officials, especially after the killing of IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani in January 2020.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Washington — The Senate confirmed Admiral Kevin Lunday as Coast Guard commandant Thursday night after agency guidance on the display of hate symbols such as swastikas and nooses was clarified.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
  • The family in question belongs to Rudolf Höss, commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp, located right next to his perfect home.
    Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commanding officer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commanding%20officer. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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