command 1 of 2

noun

Definition of commandnext
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

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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

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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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5
as in control
the right or means to command or control others the army officer in command during the attack

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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command

2 of 2

verb

kə-ˈmand How to pronounce command (audio)
1
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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4
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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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

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6
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
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
Kershaw said he was heartened, at least, that his issue was a lack of command. —Sam Blum, New York Times, 18 May 2025 For example, arranging to have the user's oven fixed with a service provider, without any intervention beyond the initial command. —Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 18 May 2025
Verb
Some still command the kitchen, cooking for trail crews on sites, while others can help with administrative tasks and educational outreach from the association’s Sacramento office. —Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 12 May 2025 Officers pursued the suspect, repeatedly commanding him to drop his weapon, the release states. —River Valley Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for command
Recent Examples of Synonyms for command
  1. instruction
  2. proficiency
  3. control
  4. view
  5. order
  6. request
  7. demand
  8. rule
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
Definition of instruction
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
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • 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
  • By pinpointing high-privilege users and monitoring data-sharing behaviors, Reco assists CISOs in implementing stricter access controls.
    — Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Definition of control
Noun
  • In 1956, a survey of over 2,000 professors showed that 61% had been contacted by the FBI; 40% worried that students might misrepresent their politics; and about a quarter would not express their views for fear of the government.
    — Time, Time, 20 May 2025
  • This is a view of the world where social, environmental, and economic issues are interdependent and must be addressed together.
    — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Definition of view
Verb
  • As part of his administration’s campaign against DEI programs, Trump has also ordered federal agencies, including FERC, to stop considering environmental justice in decision-making.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
  • 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
Definition of order
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
Definition of request
Verb
  • In the strips that make up the inaugural Archipelago Mafalda, Quino’s heroine demands, over and over, that adults do a better job both explaining and occupying the world.
    — Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025
  • The shifting nature of public opinion nowadays demands tough talk, of strong borders and rule of law.
    — Michael Luo, New Yorker, 20 May 2025
Definition of demand
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
  • Kim has ordered the ship to be restored before a ruling party meeting in June.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of rule

Phrases Containing command

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comma
command
commandant
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Cite this Entry

“Command.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/command. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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