adj
Common
commanding
kuh-MAHN-dihng
Commanding (adj) means having an air of authority; impressive and dominant. Example: “The captain had a commanding voice that silenced the noisy crowd.”
adj
1
Having an air of authority; impressive and dominant.
"The captain had a commanding voice that silenced the noisy crowd."
"He had a commanding presence that filled the whole room."
"She spoke in a commanding tone that left no room for argument."
2
Occupying a high or dominant position that offers a wide view or advantage.
"From the commanding position on the ridge, we could see the whole coast."
"They built the fort in a commanding spot above the river."
"The castle sits on a commanding hilltop overlooking the valley."
How to use commanding
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAuthoritative and impressive, or (of a position) high up and dominant.
Common pairings
commanding presence
commanding lead
commanding view
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like commanding.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- commandings
- Comparative
- more commanding
- Superlative
- most commanding
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The captain had a _____ voice that silenced the noisy crowd.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for commanding
landing
handing
sanding
standing
branding
demanding
upstanding
outstanding
understanding
grandstanding
notwithstanding
misunderstanding
See all rhymes for commanding →
Frequently asked questions
What does “commanding” mean?
The word “commanding” means having an air of authority; impressive and dominant. In plain terms, authoritative and impressive, or (of a position) high up and dominant.
How do you pronounce “commanding”?
“Commanding” is pronounced kuh-MAHN-dihng (/kəˈmændɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “commanding” in a sentence?
Here is “commanding” used in a sentence: “He had a commanding presence that filled the whole room.”
What part of speech is “commanding”?
“Commanding” is an adjective.
Is “commanding” a common word?
“Commanding” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “commanding” have?
“Commanding” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having an air of authority; impressive and dominant.
What is the difference between commanding and authoritative?
Commanding describes an air of authority that is impressive and dominant, often referring to presence, tone, or position, while authoritative more specifically suggests reliability, expertise, or the right to be obeyed. A commanding voice sounds powerful and controlling, while an authoritative source is trusted because of its expertise.
How is commanding used to describe a view or location?
Commanding can describe a high or dominant position that offers a wide view or advantage, such as a commanding view from a hilltop or a commanding position in a competition. This sense is about physical or strategic dominance rather than personality.
Is commanding used to describe both people and places?
Yes, commanding applies to people, such as a commanding presence or commanding tone, and to places or positions, such as a commanding view or commanding lead, always conveying dominance or impressive authority.
