command
1 of 3verb
com·mand kə-ˈmand 
commanded; commanding; commands
transitive verb
1
: to direct authoritatively : order
commanded adherence to the rules
2
: to exercise a dominating influence over : have command of: such as
a
: to have at one's immediate disposal
commands many resources
b
: to demand or receive as one's due
commands a high fee
c
: to overlook or dominate from or as if from a strategic position
a hill that commands the city
d
: to have military command of as senior officer
command a regiment
3
obsolete : to order or request to be given
intransitive verb
1
: to have or exercise direct authority : govern
a leader who knows how to command well
2
: to give orders
Rob seldom commanded, but when he did Master Ted had to give in.
Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott3
: to be commander
The general will command at the western front.
4
: to dominate as if from an elevated place
commandable
kə-ˈman-də-bəl
adjective command
2 of 3noun
1
a
: an order given
The command was to hold fire.
b(1)
: a signal that actuates a device (such as a control mechanism in a spacecraft or one step in a computer)
(2)
: the activation of a device by means of such a signal
(3)
: a line of code (see code entry 1 sense 5) instructing a computer to send such a signal
2
a
: the ability to control : mastery
She was in command of her emotions.
b
: the authority or right to command
the officer in command
c(1)
: the power to dominate
The fort has command of the valley.
(2)
: scope of vision
The tower provides a wide command of the neighboring hills.
d
: facility in use
a good command of French
e
: control sense 1d
a pitcher with good command of his curveball
3
: the act of commanding
The troops will charge at command.
4
: the personnel, area, or organization under a commander
specifically : a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than an air force
5
: a position of highest usually military authority
He was relieved of his command after being charged with misconduct.
command
3 of 3adjective
: done on command or request
a command performance
Synonyms
Verb
- adjure
- bid
- boss (around)
- charge
- direct
- enjoin
- instruct
- order
- tell
Noun
- behest
- charge
- commandment
- decree
- dictate
- direction
- directive
- do
- edict
- imperative
- injunction
- instruction
- order
- word
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb She commanded us to leave. Military leaders commanded the troops to open fire. She commanded that work on the bridge cease immediately. We had no choice but to do as they commanded. He commands a platoon of 60. With his skills and experience, he can command a high salary. The company commands much power and influence in the business world. Noun We are expected to obey his commands. She shouted out commands to the crew. We started to teach the dog simple commands like “sit” and “lie down.” You can perform several actions with keyboard commands. The system recognizes voice commands. He was relieved of his command after being charged with misconduct. Who is the officer in command of the unit? I assumed command of the business after my father's death. He immediately took command of the situation. He finally felt in command of his life. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Mark Gurman, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2022 Keys is an artist who’s always been able to command a lot of genres and a lot of audience. Annie Nickoloff, cleveland, 20 Aug. 2022 Now, as more workers return to hospitals, some can command five-figure signing bonuses in places where there are staffing shortages. Callum Borchers, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 All will command expensive deals, whether in Cincinnati or somewhere else. Tim Bielik, cleveland, 27 Aug. 2022 Few can command a step and repeat at the Met quite like Lively. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2022 Black Americans command about 9% of the nation’s total buying power, according to data collected by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. Ryan Young, CNN, 23 Aug. 2022 As always, quarterbacks will command the brightest spotlight. Mike Jones, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2022 But now these Asian American chefs command their own kitchens and have created opportunities for the next generation of chefs. Jess Eng, Washington Post, 27 July 2022 Riza Cruz, ELLE, 13 Sep. 2022 Like Kopech, the Rockies right-hander has struggled with his command, given his 3.85 BB/9 ratio. Michael Nwaneri, Chicago Tribune, 13 Sep. 2022 Although Alexander hasn't walked a ton of batters, his command inside the strike zone has faltered. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 12 Sep. 2022 Bello lost his command and then the game as the Orioles rallied for a 3-2 victory before a crowd of 16,451 at Camden Yards. Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Sep. 2022 Tommy Henry was hit around for the second start in a row, struggling once more with his fastball command. Nick Piecoro, The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2022 Ihor, the platoon commander, said 16 of the 32 men under his command were injured and one was killed. John Hudson, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 Right now, Green is trying to close the gap between his skills and his command of the playbook. Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Sep. 2022 Having been recalled for Sunday’s game to give the Dodgers’ rotation an extra day of rest, Pepiot struggled with his command and ability to finish at-bats. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2022 Oren Liebermann, CNN, 23 July 2021 See More
Verb
Apple is expected to command almost 49% of the US smartphone market this year, according to Insider Intelligence, with that increasing to nearly 50% by 2024. Mark Gurman, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2022 Keys is an artist who’s always been able to command a lot of genres and a lot of audience. Annie Nickoloff, cleveland, 20 Aug. 2022 Now, as more workers return to hospitals, some can command five-figure signing bonuses in places where there are staffing shortages. Callum Borchers, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 All will command expensive deals, whether in Cincinnati or somewhere else. Tim Bielik, cleveland, 27 Aug. 2022 Few can command a step and repeat at the Met quite like Lively. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2022 Black Americans command about 9% of the nation’s total buying power, according to data collected by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. Ryan Young, CNN, 23 Aug. 2022 As always, quarterbacks will command the brightest spotlight. Mike Jones, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2022 But now these Asian American chefs command their own kitchens and have created opportunities for the next generation of chefs. Jess Eng, Washington Post, 27 July 2022 Noun
Conrad’s autobiographical tale of his first command, which turns out to be in a rowboat, fleeing a sinking ship with its cargo of burning coal. Riza Cruz, ELLE, 13 Sep. 2022 Like Kopech, the Rockies right-hander has struggled with his command, given his 3.85 BB/9 ratio. Michael Nwaneri, Chicago Tribune, 13 Sep. 2022 Although Alexander hasn't walked a ton of batters, his command inside the strike zone has faltered. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 12 Sep. 2022 Bello lost his command and then the game as the Orioles rallied for a 3-2 victory before a crowd of 16,451 at Camden Yards. Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Sep. 2022 Tommy Henry was hit around for the second start in a row, struggling once more with his fastball command. Nick Piecoro, The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2022 Ihor, the platoon commander, said 16 of the 32 men under his command were injured and one was killed. John Hudson, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 Right now, Green is trying to close the gap between his skills and his command of the playbook. Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Sep. 2022 Having been recalled for Sunday’s game to give the Dodgers’ rotation an extra day of rest, Pepiot struggled with his command and ability to finish at-bats. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2022 Adjective
An upcoming marksmanship exercise for early-August was also canceled, as were a pre-command course, firearms training for soldiers who need to improve their marksmanship, and more. Oren Liebermann, CNN, 23 July 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English comanden, from Anglo-French cumander, from Vulgar Latin *commandare, alteration of Latin commendare to commit to one's charge — more at commend
First Known Use
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adjective
1826, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing command
Kids Definition
command 1 of 2
verb
com·mand kə-ˈmand
commanded; commanding
1
: to order with authority
The king commanded them to leave.
2
: to have power or control over : be commander of
He commands an army.
3
: to demand as right or due : exact
A piano teacher commands a high fee.
4
: to survey from a good position
The fort is on a hill that commands a view of the city.
command
2 of 2noun
1
: an order given
Obey her command.
2
: the authority, right, or power to command : control
The troops are under my command.
3
: the ability to control and use : mastery
She has a good command of the language.
4
: the people, area, or unit (as of soldiers and weapons) under a commander
5
: a position from which military operations are directed
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
Relevance
- instruction
- edict
- order
- directive
- do
- direction
- commandment
- injunction
- word
- decree
- dictate
- imperative
- charge
- behest
- requirement
- demand
- mandate
- rule
- countermand
- law
- counterorder
- precept
- prescription
- ordinance
- prescript
- statute
- regulation
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- appeal
- petition
- plea
- entreaty
- recommendation
- proposal
- 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
- mastery
- experience
- facility
- skill(s)
- expertise
- virtuosity
- fluency
- literacy
- practice
- hang
- IQ
- acquaintance
- practise
- familiarity
- intimacy
- know-how
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
- seat
- home
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
- authority
- sway
- reign
- arm
- mastery
- jurisdiction
- clutch
- sovereignty
- grip
- influence
- death grip
- voice
- management
- dominance
- rein(s)
- hold
- privilege
- leverage
- pull
- direction
- prerogative
- clout
- right
- supremacy
- imperium
- importance
- predominance
- weight
- sovranty
- eminence
- moment
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weakness
- impotence
- powerlessness
- 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
- vista
- scenery
- perspective
- outlook
- prospect
- landscape
- scene
- sight
- visual field
- lookout
- ken
command
2 of 2verb
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
- direct
- ask
- bid
- beg
- charge
- enjoin
- request
- adjure
- force
- control
- petition
- advise
- warn
- boss (around)
- commission
- beseech
- counsel
- appoint
- require
- entreat
- assign
- compel
- authorize
- conduct
- supervise
- coerce
- superintend
- manage
- constrain
- oversee
- lead
- oblige
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- obey
- mind
- follow
- keep
- observe
- comply (with)
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
- direct
- decree
- mandate
- demand
- dictate
- ask
- call for
- call
- require
- petition
- ordain
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- cancel
- countermand
- rescind
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
- enjoin
- need
- quest
- press (for)
- requisition
- stipulate (for)
- clamor (for)
- call (for)
- take
- warrant
- insist (on)
- impose
- necessitate
- hound
- plead (for)
- cry (for)
- harass
- 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
- captain
- dictate
- dominate
- boss
- master
- domineer
- sway
- manage
- oversee
- administer
- preside (over)
- conduct
- direct
- lead
- supervise
- micromanage
- regulate
- head
- subjugate
- superintend
- conquer
- tyrannize
- subdue
- oppress
- reign (over)
- lord (it over)
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
- possess
- have
- retain
- enjoy
- hold
- reserve
- withhold
- carry
- keep
- rejoice in
- show off
- bear
- boast
- sport
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- want
- lack
- surrender
- relinquish
- renounce
- cede
- yield
- dump
- abandon
- hand over
- discard
- need
- disclaim
- reject
- require
- repudiate
- disown
- decline
- 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 captain
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
- captain
- lead
- control
- head
- direct
- boss
- oversee
- manage
- dominate
- supervise
- spearhead
- handle
- govern
- run
- regulate
- superintend
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- obey
- serve
- follow
- submit (to)
- yield (to)
- comply (with)
- defer (to)
- bow (to)
8
as in to charge
to set or receive as a price commands a high fee for his decorating services Synonyms & Similar Words
- charge
- ask
- demand
- fetch
- price
- value
- bring
- mark up
- invoice
- discount
- overcharge
- mark down
- undercharge
- sell (for)
- assess
- bill
Synonym Chooser
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
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
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
While in some cases nearly identical to command, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.
given dominion over all the animals
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
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
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