as in commander
one in official command especially of a military force or base
reported directly to the fort's commanding officer
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Recent Examples of commanding officer
Yargosz, the commanding officer at the Navy base, said after the ribbon-cutting ceremony that schools like the new Forrestal will create a good learning environment for both military and civilian children.
—
Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
His previous occupation was recorded as a book binder — though a commanding officer later described him as an actor.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
No commanding officers or the commissioner were ever told about the claim letters, the summary says.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Oakman said that when an officer is arrested, they are required to immediately alert their commanding officer.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commanding officer
Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
His previous occupation was recorded as a book binder — though a commanding officer later described him as an actor.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
No commanding officers or the commissioner were ever told about the claim letters, the summary says.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Oakman said that when an officer is arrested, they are required to immediately alert their commanding officer.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for commanding officer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commanding officer
Noun
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Zelenskyy indicated battlefield gains over the next six months could strengthen Ukraine's hand in future peace talks, echoing remarks made last week by Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky, a top Ukrainian commander.—
Richard Escobedo,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
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Many Naxal commanders are not taken alive.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Noun
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The State Police will also hire a civilian director to work alongside the academy’s commandant, and institute baseline physical and psychological screenings for recruits before the academy begins.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
20 May 2026
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Admiral Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard, said the discovery reconnects the service to a defining moment in its history.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commanding officer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commanding%20officer. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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