What does "commander" mean?
One who exercises control and direction of a military or naval organization.
Commander
/kəˈmændɚ/ name, noun
name, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who exercises control and direction of a military or naval organization.
- Grammar: commander is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: commanding officer, a per se, ace, adc.
- Useful contrasts: nl privé, pt privado, adjutants.
- Usage evidence: The launch, which had been scheduled for this morning, was postponed because of the illness of shuttle Commander John Creighton.
How to use "commander"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "commander" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "commander" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "commander" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "commander" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "commander" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "commanding officer" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "commander", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who exercises control and direction of a military or naval organization.
"I think if post commanders of the unchaplained posts could employ acceptable clergymen […] then the needs might be met."
- 2 an officer in the airforce wordnet
- 3 A naval officer whose rank is above that of a lieutenant commander and below that of captain.
"Shepard: I don't take orders from you anymore, remember? Anderson: Consider yourself reinstated... Commander."
- 4 someone in an official position of authority who can command or control others wordnet
- 5 One who exercises control and direction over a group of persons.
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 a commissioned naval officer who ranks above a lieutenant commander and below a captain wordnet
- 7 A designation or rank in certain non-military organizations such as NASA and various police forces.
- 8 an officer in command of a military unit wordnet
- 9 The chief officer of a commandry. obsolete
- 10 A heavy beetle or wooden mallet, used in paving, in sail lofts, etc.
- 11 A rank within an honorary order: e.g. Commander of the Legion of Honour.
- 12 Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the Asian genus Moduza.
- 13 A soldier who has attained the rank of sergeant or higher Singapore
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The launch, which had been scheduled for this morning, was postponed because of the illness of shuttle Commander John Creighton."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "commander"?
Common synonyms include: commanding officer, a per se, ace, adc, admiral, aide.
How do you use "commander" in a sentence?
The launch, which had been scheduled for this morning, was postponed because of the illness of shuttle Commander John Creighton.
How do you pronounce "commander"?
Pronounced /kəˈmændɚ/.
Etymology
From Middle English comaundour, commaunder, comaunder, borrowed from Old French comandeor, cumandeur, from comander. By surface analysis, command + -er. See command.