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
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Recent Examples of commanding officer
Parker stars as one of Cameron’s commanding officers, drill sergeant Sullivan.
—
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Last month, the Navy relieved the commanding officer of the USS Santa Barbara’s blue crew, also citing a loss of confidence.
—Max Rego, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for commanding officer
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Last month, the Navy relieved the commanding officer of the USS Santa Barbara’s blue crew, also citing a loss of confidence.
—Max Rego, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for commanding officer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commanding officer
Noun
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Treatment was largely ad hoc and depended to a considerable degree on individual commanders, but customarily prisoners would be exchanged or placed on parole—granted their freedom but required by oath not to return to military action.—
Drew Gilpin Faust,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2026
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Tom Homan, the administration’s border czar, was sent in to replace Greg Bovino, the controversial on-the-ground commander who critics say fueled conflict.—
Alicia Diaz,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Camp Lejeune’s commandant—a man who commanded both respect and wonder—hosted a reception to introduce us to base and community leadership.—
Jay Sloves,
Hartford Courant,
20 Jan. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Commanding officer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commanding%20officer. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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