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Some common synonyms of command<\/em> are authority<\/em><\/a>, control<\/em><\/a>, dominion<\/em><\/a>, jurisdiction<\/em><\/a>, power<\/em><\/a>, and sway<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"the right to govern or rule or determine,\" command<\/em> implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.<\/p>

\/\/ the army officer in command<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'authority' be used instead of 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of authority<\/em><\/a> and command<\/em> largely overlap; however, authority<\/em> implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.<\/p>

\/\/ granted the authority<\/em> to manage her estate<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'control' take the place of 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words control<\/em><\/a> and command<\/em> have much in common, control<\/em> stresses the power to direct and restrain.<\/p>

\/\/ you are responsible for the students under your control<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'dominion' instead of 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to command<\/em>, dominion<\/em><\/a> stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.<\/p>

\/\/ given dominion<\/em> over all the animals<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'jurisdiction' a more appropriate choice than 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms jurisdiction<\/em><\/a> and command<\/em> are close in meaning, jurisdiction<\/em> applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.<\/p>

\/\/ the bureau having jurisdiction<\/em> over parks<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'power' be a reasonable alternative to 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms power<\/em><\/a> and command<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but power<\/em> implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.<\/p>

\/\/ the power<\/em> to mold public opinion<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'sway' be a better fit than 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words sway<\/em><\/a> and command<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, sway<\/em> suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.<\/p>

\/\/ the empire extended its sway<\/em> over the region<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the noun 'command' contrast with its synonyms?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of command<\/em> are authority<\/em><\/a>, control<\/em><\/a>, dominion<\/em><\/a>, jurisdiction<\/em><\/a>, power<\/em><\/a>, and sway<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"the right to govern or rule or determine,\" command<\/em> implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.<\/p>

\/\/ the army officer in command<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'authority' be used instead of 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of authority<\/em><\/a> and command<\/em> largely overlap; however, authority<\/em> implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.<\/p>

\/\/ granted the authority<\/em> to manage her estate<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'control' take the place of 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words control<\/em><\/a> and command<\/em> have much in common, control<\/em> stresses the power to direct and restrain.<\/p>

\/\/ you are responsible for the students under your control<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'dominion' instead of 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to command<\/em>, dominion<\/em><\/a> stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.<\/p>

\/\/ given dominion<\/em> over all the animals<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'jurisdiction' a more appropriate choice than 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms jurisdiction<\/em><\/a> and command<\/em> are close in meaning, jurisdiction<\/em> applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.<\/p>

\/\/ the bureau having jurisdiction<\/em> over parks<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'power' be a reasonable alternative to 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms power<\/em><\/a> and command<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but power<\/em> implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.<\/p>

\/\/ the power<\/em> to mold public opinion<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'sway' be a better fit than 'command'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words sway<\/em><\/a> and command<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, sway<\/em> suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.<\/p>

\/\/ the empire extended its sway<\/em> over the region<\/p>" } } ] }

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in seat
a place from which authority is exercised central command

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in control
the right or means to command or control others the army officer in command during the attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

command

2 of 2

verb

kÉ™-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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to dominate
to look down on for centuries an imposing castle has commanded that stretch of the river

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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
And again, just to be clear, the command and control system of the Iranian regime is in chaos. —NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026 Uninstalling the app immediately prevents it from collecting more information or running commands through your browser. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
The result is a devastating tool when commanded properly. —Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 24 Mar. 2026 Spec homes, or houses that builders themselves design and construct, generally command smaller profits than their build-to-order counterparts. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026 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
  • Refine a process with a peer so everyone’s work runs more smoothly, or write down instructions for something others need to know.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
  • FedEx said in a statement its flight crew followed instructions from air traffic control and landed safely.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • Reading comprehension among California’s fourth-graders ranked 37th among the states in the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress testing, for instance, with just 29% showing proficiency, down 2 percentage points from 2022.
    — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Pilots must undergo constant retraining and regular proficiency checks, and the travel schedule can be demanding—especially early in a career when seniority is low.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • As gangs continue to expand and consolidate territorial control, journalists remain in growing danger, according to the commission and other press freedom groups.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Observer maintains full editorial control of its journalism.
    — Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • His predecessor, former NSA director Mike Rogers, shared a similar view.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
  • David’s view The voters most keen to talk with political reporters are, typically, extremely engaged in politics.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of view
Verb
  • He was ordered to be remanded and is due back in court on the conspiracy charge on May 4.
    — Katie Houlis, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • In the terms of his bond conditions, prosecutors ordered Ludwig to stay off the airport’s premises, according to the court document.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of order
Verb
  • Barron, who turned 20 on March 20, also listed Mar-a-Lago as his address and requested a mail-in ballot on March 14, voter records show.
    — Josh Meyer, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Call 305-415-3896 to request a safety walk.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of request
Verb
  • Democrats balked at funding the agency, while other departments are unaffected, demanding changes to immigration enforcement by federal agents.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Soccer practices, airport runs, Costco expeditions and weekend escapes into Colorado’s foothills all demand a vehicle that blends comfort, capability and technology.
    — Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of demand
Verb
  • But no one can rule the Rams out after Thursday’s absolute banger.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Grapevine run rules Argyle behind Luke Esquivel Luke Esquivel allowed one hit over six innings and fanned 12 as Grapevine defeated Argyle 13-0 in a run-rule shortened District 6-5A game on Friday at Argyle High School.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of rule

Phrases Containing command

Browse Nearby Words

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 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on command

Nglish: Translation of command for Spanish Speakers

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