1
as in to hijack
to take control of (a vehicle) by force
an airliner commandeered by terrorists
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2
as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
commandeered all of the equipment, as if the chem lab belonged solely to him
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commandeer
A lot of people have commandeered our story and our voices.
—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 20 Feb. 2025
The company has since commandeered the AI boom, most famously through the release of ChatGPT.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
In a more futuristic vein, the response to climate warming will create new technologies, some of them in the realm of geo-engineering which may be able to alter the effects of climate damage, but that might also be commandeered for harm.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
To celebrate the launch of the online store, Orbi will commandeer the Sphere’s Instagram on Thursday (@SphereVegas) and will answer fan questions starting at 3 p.m. ET.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 20 Feb. 2025
The company has since commandeered the AI boom, most famously through the release of ChatGPT.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
In a more futuristic vein, the response to climate warming will create new technologies, some of them in the realm of geo-engineering which may be able to alter the effects of climate damage, but that might also be commandeered for harm.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
To celebrate the launch of the online store, Orbi will commandeer the Sphere’s Instagram on Thursday (@SphereVegas) and will answer fan questions starting at 3 p.m. ET.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commandeer
Verb
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What disheartens us is that these opportunities for genuine discourse are being hijacked by extremists and people whose behavior is disruptive and unproductive.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Mar. 2025
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Cholinesterase inhibitors Alzheimer’s disease hijacks the brain by slowly destroying its nerve cells, which triggers a cascade of cognitive turmoil like gradually escalating forgetfulness, difficulties with planning or organizing, and an uptick in confusion or moodiness.—
Alisa Hrustic,
SELF,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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These results suggest that media-savvy Democrats who seize this moment to call out Trump and the MAGA agenda could put themselves in a strong position to become the next leader of the Democratic Party.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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This shift could unlock massive opportunities for entrepreneurs who are bold enough to act, smart enough to wait for clarity, and strategic enough to seize the moment.—
Dileep Rao,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Then, in 2010, the bank where the chips were stored confiscated the chips after opening the deposit box.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
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The animals were confiscated and given to multiple wildlife agencies for care, according to the post.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The movie takes place in 1957, when Genovese is jealous of Costello’s power and influence and wants to usurp him as the big boss in New York.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
TIME,
20 Mar. 2025
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The lawsuit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, claims OPM is usurping congressional authority.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Coop is fired from his high-profile finance job, starts stealing from his wealthy neighbors to keep up his lifestyle, chaos ensues, and get your popcorn ready.—
Danielle Pergament,
SELF,
10 Apr. 2025
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Tom Richard Santos with John of Sherwood: After the death of Robin Hood, a grieving Little John returns to his ancestral Celtic tribe to protect it from the corrupt Church bent on stealing its land — and to confront the dark truth of his crimes as a Merry Man.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The largest cause of deforestation is a lack of demand for forest products, which causes our forest to be converted to industrial, agricultural, residential uses.—
Rob Marciano,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2025
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However, his time with the Patriots was brief—the team had drafted him with the intention of converting him to another position like defensive back or running back, position changes Gannon resisted.—
Omaid Homayun,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The team still must determine who will grab the eighth spot in the bullpen.—
Dan Hayes,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
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The teacher showed up unannounced at the student's home on Wednesday and requested that the child grab the missing homework assignment, the family said.—
Landon Mion,
Fox News,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Last spring, Harvard students protesting Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza occupied the university's central courtyard for 20 days and staged a 24-hour sit-in in another building.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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The Israeli Defense Forces now claim to occupy some 30% of Gaza territory.—
Lucien Bruggeman,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commandeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commandeer. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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