COMMAND Synonyms: 251 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

command 1 of 2

noun

Definition of command next

as in instruction

a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned the captain's commands were followed without question

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Relevance

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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

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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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as in seat

a place from which authority is exercised central command

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as in control

the right or means to command or control others the army officer in command during the attack

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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

kə-ˈmand

as in to order

to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority the general commanded his troops with Caesar-like imperiousness

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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 demand

to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority an act of courage that commands the admiration of all who witnessed it

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as in to rule

to exercise authority or power over a cabinet secretary who commands the largest department in the federal government

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as in to own

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

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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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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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as in to ask

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

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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

These choices take command of the struggle against any possible counterrevolution. —

Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025 Key Priority prioritizes the actuation of the last pressed key when two opposing command or movement keys are struck at the same time, such as when pressing the left and right arrow keys simultaneously while strafing. —

PCMAG, 17 Jan. 2025

Verb

Despite not making a Super Bowl appearance, McCarthy commands great respect. —

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 Darrow asked Bryan about the age of the Earth, about biblical miracles, such as when Joshua commanded the sun to stand still, and many more questions that revealed not only Bryan’s ignorance of science but his ignorance of the Bible as well. —

Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for command

Recent Examples of Synonyms for command

Noun

Even as President Donald Trump recently obliterated the federal government’s support for DEI, his executive order leaves academic instruction untouched.

— Matt Beienburg, National Review, 25 Jan. 2025
Everyday robes should be washed regularly, following the instructions on the care tag.

— Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025