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Definitions

command

[kuh-mand, -mahnd] / kəˈmænd, -ˈmɑnd /
NOUN
directive, instruction
Synonyms
STRONGEST
direction duty law mandate order regulation request responsibility rule word
STRONG
act adjuration ban behest bidding call canon caveat charge citation commandment decree demand devoir dictate dictation dictum edict enactment exaction fiat imperative imposition injunction interdiction notification obligation ordinance precept prescript proclamation prohibition proscription requirement requisition subpoena summons ultimatum warrant will writ
Antonyms
STRONGEST
answer disorganization irresponsibility lawlessness
STRONG
allowance permission request
WEAK
contradiction countermand opposition recall reversal revocation subordination
NOUN
rule, power
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ability authority control expertise government grasp jurisdiction leadership management skill supervision
STRONG
absolutism aplomb authorization charge coercion compulsion constraint despotism domination dominion expertness grip hold know-how might prerogative primacy restraint right royalty sovereignty strings supremacy sway tyranny
WEAK
expertism upper hand
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance inability weakness
STRONG
freedom release submission
WEAK
contradiction countermand opposition recall reversal revocation subordination
VERB
demand
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appoint authorize call for direct require tell
STRONG
adjure ban bar beckon bid call charge check cite compel debar dictate enact enjoin exact forbid grant impose inflict inhibit instruct interdict oblige ordain order ordinate proclaim prohibit requisition restrain set subpoena summon task warn
WEAK
call on call the signals call upon force upon give directions give orders lay down the law mark out put foot down rule out send for take charge take the lead
Antonyms
STRONGEST
reject
STRONG
aid allow approve ask assist cancel conceal disallow free help hinder liberate permit prevent refuse stop veto
WEAK
contradict countermand follow oppose recall reverse revoke
VERB
rule, have power
Synonyms
STRONGEST
determine direct dominate manage supervise take over wield
STRONG
administer boss charge check coach coerce compel conduct conquer constrain control curb dictate domineer exact force govern guide head hinder influence lead officiate oppress overbear override predominate prescribe prevail push regulate reign repress restrain run stop subdue superintend sway tyrannize
WEAK
exercise power have authority hold office preside over reign over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
mismanage
STRONG
abandon advance aid allow assist comply consent encourage follow free give up help leave leave alone let go liberate lose neglect obey permit release retreat serve start submit surrender yield
WEAK
contradict countermand oppose recall reverse revoke

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The goal was to preserve the chain of command in law enforcement and the military and avoid chaos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Shares should command a much higher valuation premium than its current multiple, returning to a price/earnings ratio that peaked above 20 times in 2021 as the market begins to recognize the platform’s potential.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

The series begins as their grandmother is dying, and at Linda’s command, they rush out to buy her a present — Linda is trying to squeeze in an “early birthday” before her mother passes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Jessica Cadigan, a former FBI intelligence analyst who investigated Election Day threats, said FBI headquarters’ command post was critical to her cases.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

Since he forgot to frame the command in pictures, the dragon ignored him.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Vocabulary lists containing command

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The ACT Reading Test: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 5

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!