1
as in instructions
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned
the captain's commands were followed without question
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in proficiencies
a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something
a command of French that is the result of a year spent in France as an exchange student
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in headquarters
the place from which a commander runs operations
the general set up his command in the old port city
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in seats
a place from which authority is exercised
central command
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in controls
the right or means to command or control others
the army officer in command during the attack
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in views
all that can be seen from a certain point
from his mountain perch, the scout had a command of the entire valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in orders
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 requests
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 demands
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 rules
to exercise authority or power over
a cabinet secretary who commands the largest department in the federal government
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in has
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
7
as in leads
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 asks
to set or receive as a price
commands a high fee for his decorating services
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 commands
Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026
His early training is mostly potty and kennel training and basic commands, as well as socializing him to different places, people and environments, said Trooper Dustin Pattengale, Beau's handler.
—ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
MacFhionghain refused commands to drop the knife, and the DOJ concluded that MacFhionghain then raised the knife in order to stab Mendoza.
—Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
The tech is serious but unobtrusive, with extensive but easy-to-follow commands for light dimming and ceiling fan operating.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
This news has prompted owners of other EVs, including those made by Lynk & Co parent company Zeekr, to investigate whether their vehicles are sensitive to such commands, according to CnEVPost.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 4 Mar. 2026
The Nampa department said that during the traffic stop, the man in the passenger seat presented a handgun and did not follow officers’ commands.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
For example, instead of issuing commands, provide information.
—Vicki Glembocki, Parents, 28 Feb. 2026
In mid-2025, Google debuted two new AI models, Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER (extended reasoning), bringing generative AI into physical action commands to control robots.
—Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2026
Rory Doherty, Time, 7 Mar. 2026
The sales pitch hits squarely at the lifestyle that commands top dollar in today’s high-end market.
—David Caraccio
march 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026
In jobs where experience commands a large premium, AI exposure is associated with stronger wage growth.
—Wilborn P. Nobles Iii, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
For subtle pops, go with a cherry-red heel or for something more bold, consider a red skirt that commands attention.
—Eva Thomas, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
The code commands them to be truthful in dealing with the courts, the public and each other.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
Network television still commands an audience scale that dwarfs most niche streaming platforms, and the CEO was candid that the crossover offered talent a chance to perform on broadcast TV while introducing the service to viewers who might otherwise never encounter it.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 Mar. 2026
The channel’s leadership has actually banned any mention of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, who commands a substantial following both inside and outside the country.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2026
While his velocity commands much of the attention, Miller’s focus going into 2026 is on consistency.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
Patrol boroughs are commands that oversee local police precinct operations.
—Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026
His early training is mostly potty and kennel training and basic commands, as well as socializing him to different places, people and environments, said Trooper Dustin Pattengale, Beau's handler.
—ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
MacFhionghain refused commands to drop the knife, and the DOJ concluded that MacFhionghain then raised the knife in order to stab Mendoza.
—Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
The tech is serious but unobtrusive, with extensive but easy-to-follow commands for light dimming and ceiling fan operating.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
This news has prompted owners of other EVs, including those made by Lynk & Co parent company Zeekr, to investigate whether their vehicles are sensitive to such commands, according to CnEVPost.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 4 Mar. 2026
The Nampa department said that during the traffic stop, the man in the passenger seat presented a handgun and did not follow officers’ commands.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
For example, instead of issuing commands, provide information.
—Vicki Glembocki, Parents, 28 Feb. 2026
In mid-2025, Google debuted two new AI models, Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER (extended reasoning), bringing generative AI into physical action commands to control robots.
—Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
So commands the Creature to his creator Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s novel.
—Rory Doherty, Time, 7 Mar. 2026
The sales pitch hits squarely at the lifestyle that commands top dollar in today’s high-end market.
—David Caraccio
march 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026
In jobs where experience commands a large premium, AI exposure is associated with stronger wage growth.
—Wilborn P. Nobles Iii, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
For subtle pops, go with a cherry-red heel or for something more bold, consider a red skirt that commands attention.
—Eva Thomas, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
The code commands them to be truthful in dealing with the courts, the public and each other.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
Network television still commands an audience scale that dwarfs most niche streaming platforms, and the CEO was candid that the crossover offered talent a chance to perform on broadcast TV while introducing the service to viewers who might otherwise never encounter it.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 Mar. 2026
The channel’s leadership has actually banned any mention of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, who commands a substantial following both inside and outside the country.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2026
While his velocity commands much of the attention, Miller’s focus going into 2026 is on consistency.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commands
Noun
-
Adjust the seeding depth and rate according to the label instructions.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Once the pedestrians are out of the way, the car slowly pulls into the intersection before stopping again as the HSI agents approach, shouting instructions for the driver to stop.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lucrative, fully remote data science jobs with robust salaries usually require technical proficiencies that are gauged in an interview.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Industry experience and demonstrated proficiencies are among the top factors considered by employers surveyed in NACE’s Job Outlook 2026.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
25 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
These controls monitor hundreds of process variables and notify operators if conditions drift outside target levels.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Beyond that, these 11-oz (310-g) headphones offer more controls in a companion mobile app, and dual-device connectivity for tuning into your phone and laptop without manually switching between them.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The bar boasts almost 360 sky-high views of Manhattan in a moody space filled with red velvet booths and gold accents.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
-
From the West Coast’s majestic mountains to the prairie ecoregions of the Great Plains to the white sand dunes in New Mexico, the resource zeroed in on the small towns that feature the best views of the nation's eclectic scenery.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The agreement approved by the City Commission on Tuesday prohibits immigrant detainees from being released into Leavenworth unless they were arrested there or if a court specifically orders it.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Four-up works to Weis’s strengths When the wind drops, the race management orders the crews to reduce from their standard six on board in order to take weight out of the boat.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The City of Blue Island requests that anyone with information about Dan’s disappearance contact the Blue Island Police Department at 708-385-1313.—
Sarah Dahlberg,
NBC news,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Someone who requests and receives a mail ballot is not required to use it.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In Shelley’s novel, the lonely creature demands a romantic companion after he is rejected by humanity.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Trump’s version of Christianity instead preaches no mercy for those against him, demands followers exalt him above everything, celebrates the gaudy instead of the godly.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The investigation into her death was reopened 20 years later and once again rules an overdose, but the circumstances surrounding her death are still considered a mystery.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
8 Mar. 2026
-
On 11 February, Khomeini assumed leadership and established the theocratic government that still rules.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Commands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commands. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
