Commander — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /kə-ˈman-dər/ com·mand·er

Meaning & Definition of Commander

Commander (noun)

  1. one in an official position of command or control
  2. commanding officer
  3. the presiding officer of a society or organization

Commander (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one in official command especially of a military force or base

    "a surrender of the fort by the commander without a single shot having been fired"

    similar: captain, commandant, commanding officer, commander in chief
    related: commissioned officer, field officer

  2. a person in overall command of a ship

    "the intrepid commander of the HMS Surprise"

    similar: captain, skip, skipper
    related: sea captain, master, pilot, commanding officer, admiral, commodore, vice admiral, mate, officer
    near: crew, crewman, crewmate

Related Entry: Commander in chief (phrase)

Commander in chief is a different word from Commander. The synonyms below are for commander in chief, not for commander.

  1. one in official command especially of a military force or base

    "Everyone stopped talking when the commander in chief walked in."

    similar: captain, commandant, commander, commanding officer
    related: commissioned officer, field officer

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Commander

The most common words with a similar meaning to Commander:

captain, commandant, commanding officer, skip, skipper, commander in chief

Related Words for Commander

commissioned officer, field officer, sea captain, master, pilot, admiral, commodore, vice admiral, mate, officer

Near Antonyms of Commander

crew, crewman, crewmate

Word Forms of Commander

Derived words: commandership (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Commander

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Commander

Words & Phrases Containing Commander

commander in chief, lieutenant commander, wing commander

Frequently Asked Questions about Commander

What does "Commander" mean?

"Commander" means one in an official position of command or control. As a noun, it is defined as: one in an official position of command or control. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Commander"?

Other words for "Commander" include captain, commandant, commanding officer, skip, skipper and commander in chief. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Commander" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Commander"?

There are 16 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Commander". Common alternatives include captain, commandant, commanding officer, skip, skipper and commander in chief.

How do you use "Commander" in a sentence?

Examples of "Commander" in a sentence: "a surrender of the fort by the commander without a single shot having been fired"; "the intrepid commander of the HMS Surprise".

Is "Commander" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Commander" is a noun.

Is "Commander" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Commander" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Commander"?

"Commander" is pronounced /kə-ˈman-dər/ and divided into syllables as com·mand·er.

What is the origin of the word "Commander"?

First known use: 14th century.