command
20 synonyms and 0 antonyms for command, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An order given with authority.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use command
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French comander, from Late Latin commandare, ultimately from Latin com- + mandare ("to entrust, order") — a relative of "commend," "mandate," and "recommend."
Full origin of command →Frequently asked questions
What does “command” mean?
The word “command” means an order given with authority. In plain terms, an authoritative order, or the power/act of controlling something.
How do you pronounce “command”?
“Command” is pronounced kuh-MAHND (/kəˈmænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “command” in a sentence?
Here is “command” used in a sentence: “The soldiers obeyed the general's command without hesitation.”
What is another word for “command”?
Words with a similar meaning to “command” include behest, bidding, commandment, decree, demand and dictate.
What part of speech is “command”?
Depending on how it is used, “command” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “command” come from?
The word “command” comes from Late Latin. From Old French comander, from Late Latin commandare, ultimately from Latin com- + mandare ("to entrust, order") — a relative of "commend," "mandate," and "recommend.".
Is “command” a common word?
“Command” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “command” have?
“Command” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an order given with authority.
What is the difference between command and commend?
Despite sounding alike, they are unrelated. A command is an authoritative order telling someone what to do. To commend is to praise someone or to entrust something to their care. A sergeant gives a command; a teacher might commend a pupil for good work. Mixing them up reverses instruction and approval entirely.
What is the difference between a command and a request?
A command is an order given with authority that expects to be obeyed, leaving little room for refusal. A request asks for something politely and allows the other person to say no. "Sit down" is a command; "Would you please sit down?" is a request. The difference lies in authority and choice.
What does command mean in computing?
In computing, a command is an instruction telling a program or operating system to perform a specific task. Typed into a command line or triggered by a menu, it carries the same core idea as the everyday word: an authoritative order that the machine carries out, such as "delete," "copy," or "run."
What is an example of a command?
Everyday commands include "Stop," "Come here," or "Stand at ease," direct orders expecting obedience. In the military, a command can also mean authority over troops or the unit under that authority. In grammar, commands form the imperative mood, where the verb gives an instruction, as in "Close the door."