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

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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
Similar incidents also happened in Talbot County, where dissenters were imprisoned by the occupying military command. Paul Callahan, Baltimore Sun, 29 May 2025 There are also various smart-home technologies that rely on voice commands, which can facilitate everything from calling neighbors to ordering groceries. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025
Verb
Super close, straight down the barrel, and with two actors who can command the shot where others might wither. Daron James, IndieWire, 27 May 2025 Rapp strutted across the stage in a corseted top and golden belts, commanding the Fontainebleau’s attention. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for command
Recent Examples of Synonyms for command
Noun
  • Clear instructions are included, no tools are required and this should be a five or 10 minute exercise that only needs to be done once.
    Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • The star — who is also a dad to daughters Della Rose Joel, 9, and Remy Anne Joel, 7, with wife Alexis Roderick — is undergoing specific physical therapy under his doctor's instructions.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Bournemouth had been preparing for Torres to start and knowing the Spain defender’s proficiency in possession, Iraola allowed Konsa to have the first pass before pressing.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish, limited proficiency in Chinese and French.
    Pat Maio, Oc Register, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 24 May 2025
  • According to the agencies, the GRU hackers also carried out reconnaissance of the network of at least one producer of industrial control system components for railway systems—suggesting a possible intention to attempt sabotage—but didn’t actually succeed in breaching the company.
    Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, explore rooms restored to reflect 19th-century lighthouse life, and unwind with their picnic in a shaded pavilion with unbeatable views.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
  • Seagulls cruise over fishing boats, and there are delicious water front views of distant mainland mountains.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Showtime has ordered an eighth season of its drama The Chi, putting the show into rare company at the outlet.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
  • One carried a 23-month sentence, and the other ordered five years of probation and a $200,000 fine, per AP.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • That’s how Phil Robertson, who found fame and fortune through his hunting-business empire and some controversy but also popularity for his outspoken religious and political beliefs, requested people respond to his death.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 26 May 2025
  • Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York wrote to the judge requesting the man be incarcerated before trial.
    Evan Mealins, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • While Venis, Randall and Hugo hold firm that no one should slow down technological advancement just to prevent people from using it for evil, the government and the media begin demanding that Venis step up and solve the problem.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 31 May 2025
  • The situation demands clarity from the state and awareness among traders.
    Robert Green, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Kim had ordered the destroyer to be restored before the late June plenary session of the ruling Workers’ Party, calling the matter one of national honor.
    Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
  • The ruling party controls 19 governorships and more than 90% of the National Assembly seats.
    Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/command. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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