Synonyms of command

command 1 of 2

noun

1

as in instruction

a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned

the captain's commands were followed without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

• instruction
• edict
• order
• direction
• directive
• do
• commandment
• injunction
• word
• decree
• imperative
• charge
• behest
• requirement
• dictate
• demand
• mandate
• rule
• law
• countermand
• prescription
• precept
• statute
• ordinance
• regulation
• counterorder
• prescript

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appeal
• petition
• plea
• proposal
• entreaty
• recommendation
• suggestion
• urging

2

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

• proficiency
• mastership
• experience
• mastery
• IQ
• facility
• skill(s)
• expertise
• virtuosity
• practise
• fluency
• literacy
• practice
• acquaintance
• intimacy
• familiarity
• know-how
• hang

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incompetence
• incompetency
• ignorance
• illiteracy
• unfamiliarity

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

• headquarters
• base
• command post
• home
• seat

4

as in seat

a place from which authority is exercised

central command

Synonyms & Similar Words

• headquarters
• seat
• center
• high command
• capital
• home

5

as in control

the right or means to command or control others

the army officer in command during the attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

• control
• power
• dominion
• sway
• authority
• reign
• arm
• mastery
• jurisdiction
• clutch
• sovereignty
• grip
• influence
• death grip
• rein(s)
• dominance
• voice
• management
• hold
• privilege
• leverage
• pull
• direction
• clout
• prerogative
• right
• supremacy
• importance
• predominance
• weight
• sovranty
• imperium
• eminence
• moment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impotence
• powerlessness
• weakness
• helplessness
• impotency

6

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• view
• panorama
• perspective
• scenery
• outlook
• vista
• prospect
• landscape
• scene
• lookout
• sight
• visual field
• ken

command

2 of 2

verb

kə-ˈmand 

1

as in to order

to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority

the general commanded his troops with Caesar-like imperiousness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• order
• instruct
• tell
• ask
• direct
• bid
• boss (around)
• beg
• enjoin
• charge
• advise
• request
• adjure
• warn
• petition
• force
• appoint
• require
• control
• counsel
• beseech
• compel
• authorize
• assign
• supervise
• manage
• entreat
• conduct
• coerce
• lead
• oversee
• commission
• constrain
• oblige
• superintend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obey
• mind
• follow
• keep
• comply (with)
• observe

2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• order
• request
• dictate
• ask
• direct
• mandate
• call for
• demand
• decree
• require
• call
• ordain
• petition

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cancel
• rescind
• countermand

3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• demand
• request
• require
• claim
• exact
• ask
• want
• call (for)
• press (for)
• enjoin
• need
• insist (on)
• quest
• stipulate (for)
• clamor (for)
• take
• warrant
• plead (for)
• cry (for)
• impose
• necessitate
• requisition
• harass
• hound
• badger
• dun

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yield
• surrender
• give up
• relinquish

4

as in to rule

to exercise authority or power over

a cabinet secretary who commands the largest department in the federal government

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rule
• govern
• control
• dictate
• dominate
• boss
• manage
• captain
• preside (over)
• sway
• domineer
• administer
• oversee
• lead
• master
• conduct
• regulate
• supervise
• direct
• head
• superintend
• reign (over)
• lord (it over)
• micromanage
• conquer
• oppress
• subdue
• subjugate
• tyrannize

5

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• own
• have
• possess
• retain
• enjoy
• hold
• withhold
• reserve
• keep
• rejoice in
• carry
• show off
• sport
• bear
• boast

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• want
• lack
• surrender
• yield
• relinquish
• abandon
• renounce
• dump
• discard
• need
• reject
• require
• cede
• hand over
• decline
• disown
• repudiate
• disclaim
• spurn

6

as in to dominate

to look down on

for centuries an imposing castle has commanded that stretch of the river

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dominate
• front
• overlook
• face

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lead
• captain
• head
• boss
• control
• oversee
• direct
• manage
• spearhead
• dominate
• supervise
• handle
• govern
• run
• regulate
• superintend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obey
• serve
• follow
• submit (to)
• comply (with)
• yield (to)
• defer (to)
• bow (to)

8

as in to ask

to set or receive as a price

commands a high fee for his decorating services

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ask
• charge
• demand
• fetch
• sell (for)
• bring
• price
• mark up
• value
• discount
• assess
• mark down
• overcharge
• undercharge
• invoice
• bill

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

Recent Examples of command

Noun

The command was launched in October 2024 to counter nuclear and weapons of mass destruction threats posed by North Korea. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

These forces would be connected through a resilient communications network analogous to the nuclear command, control, and communications system. —Andrew S. Lim, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

Verb

Factor in the total unduplicated TV-plus-digital reach (34.3 million) and the draft now commands a prime-time slot once reserved for playoff games. —Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

This is a disappointing outfit desperately in need of a field leader, a staunch huddle general who can command loyalty and model integrity and win the battles. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing command

• command post