command 1 of 2

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as in proficiency
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

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4
as in seat
a place from which authority is exercised central command

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as in view
all that can be seen from a certain point from his mountain perch, the scout had a command of the entire valley

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command

2 of 2

verb

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as in to request
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the governor has commanded that all state flags be flown at half-mast

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as in to dominate
to look down on for centuries an imposing castle has commanded that stretch of the river

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7
as in to lead
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

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8
as in to ask
to set or receive as a price commands a high fee for his decorating services

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun command contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of command are authority, control, dominion, jurisdiction, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.

the army officer in command

When can authority be used instead of command?

The meanings of authority and command largely overlap; however, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.

granted the authority to manage her estate

In what contexts can control take the place of command?

Although the words control and command have much in common, control stresses the power to direct and restrain.

you are responsible for the students under your control

When is it sensible to use dominion instead of command?

While in some cases nearly identical to command, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.

given dominion over all the animals

When is jurisdiction a more appropriate choice than command?

While the synonyms jurisdiction and command are close in meaning, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.

the bureau having jurisdiction over parks

Where would power be a reasonable alternative to command?

The synonyms power and command are sometimes interchangeable, but power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

the power to mold public opinion

When might sway be a better fit than command?

In some situations, the words sway and command are roughly equivalent. However, sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.

the empire extended its sway over the region

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 command
Noun
Langer loves to recall the eagle on the par-5 13th that put him in command en route to the 1993 championship. Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2025 Over the next two months, the initiative will be evaluated and refined before expanding to other commands. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
The eat-in kitchen is large, has commanding views toward the river, and will undoubtedly serve as the heart of the home, whether for daily living or entertaining. James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025 But when the can was lifted off Paredes, Officer Michael Jeffrey commanded his K9, Tex, to bite. Devan Patel, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for command
Recent Examples of Synonyms for command
Noun
  • Or, to extrapolate Anderson’s hacks to this example, creating a competition with a sales incentive would be significantly more impactful than barking instructions.
    Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The groups provide resources such as application assistance and U.S. civics instruction, aiding the individuals in their journey to become citizens of the United States.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Follow Shopify’s lead in including AI proficiency in feedback loops — whether through peer reviews, OKRs or team dashboards.
    Douglas B. Laney, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, applicants must now pass a language proficiency test and attend an in-person interview.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • May Regulate Blood Sugar Control Glucose (blood sugar) control in people with diabetes is crucial to prevent the effects of high and low glucose levels.
    Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Bailey’s lawsuit is the latest in a prolonged fight between city and state officials over funding of the Kansas City Police Department, which is under state control.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The six women are also among a select few people who have ever had the opportunity to board Blue Origin's famous New Shepard spacecraft, which transports up to six passengers to experience weightlessness and stunning views of Earth.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Ideally, in my view, any changes to Social Security should also help constrain the future growth of federal spending, given the current and projected growth in the budget deficit.
    Dennis W. Jansen, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Robert King, 35, who was charged with transmitting interstate threats in federal court on Monday, was ordered to stay in detention by U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Toliver after a hearing in Dallas on Wednesday afternoon, Fox News confirmed.
    Elizabeth Pritchett, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Duke and Duchess of Windsor ordered pieces that were full of personality and wit.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and is one the whole family (especially the grandkids) request time after time.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • As his May 5 trial looms, Combes earlier this week requested a postponement of the legal proceeding.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In one letter, Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee demanded a list of every citizen detained during the new administration.
    Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The fairway bunkers are positioned to demand accuracy off the tee.
    Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this month, SCOTUS lifted an injunction that barred deportations under the AEA and ruled that any person the administration sought to deport under the proclamation must be given due process.
    Laura Romero, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Then: Banana Clips The banana clip was a hair accessory that ruled the 1980s, similarly to scrunchies and claw clips.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/command. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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