1
as in to hijack
to take control of (a vehicle) by force
an airliner commandeered by terrorists
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
commandeered all of the equipment, as if the chem lab belonged solely to him
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of commandeer
Each of us commandeered one of the miniature half-controllers snapped off the main controller.
—
Tom Brant, PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025
The assembled team of dog rescuers also commandeered a nearby homeowner's canoe, the post from the fire department shared.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
As their escape car was almost out of gas and one of the tires had been shot out, the robbers commandeered another car, but the driver took the keys with him.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Dec. 2024
In order to regulate the amount of glucose that makes its way into your muscles, your body releases insulin, which commandeers a bunch of amino acids to help with the job.
—Nick Stockton, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for commandeer 
Tom Brant, PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025
The assembled team of dog rescuers also commandeered a nearby homeowner's canoe, the post from the fire department shared.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
As their escape car was almost out of gas and one of the tires had been shot out, the robbers commandeered another car, but the driver took the keys with him.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Dec. 2024
In order to regulate the amount of glucose that makes its way into your muscles, your body releases insulin, which commandeers a bunch of amino acids to help with the job.
—Nick Stockton, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for commandeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commandeer
Verb
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Social media accounts are increasingly hijacked, sensitive financial data appears on the dark web and even family members’ details can be exploited for leverage.—
Chad Angle,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
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Helly is mortified to learn that Helena hijacked her body and impersonated her.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit seized 148 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, according to a statement the sheriff's office posted to Facebook.—
Julia Gomez,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
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Panama has rejected his demand that the United States seize the Panama Canal.—
Mark Landler,
New York Times,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The South African Government has not confiscated any land.—
Kate Bartlett,
NPR,
7 Feb. 2025
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So detectives confiscated his pants and swabbed his back pocket in case the culprit left behind DNA.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The order usurps spending and legislative powers belonging exclusively to Congress, and seizes the States' historic police powers to regulate the practice of medicine in violation of the Tenth Amendment.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2025
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We are once again forced to remind everyone, including the GOP members of Congress who are apparently happy to stand by and watch their own authority be usurped and consolidated, that the president is not a king.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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An 18-year-old suspected of stealing $56,000 in jewelry from a San Carlos store in September 2024, along with two other people, was arrested this week.—
Stephanie Lam,
The Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2025
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Related Stories Movies Annie Awards: 'The Wild Robot' Sweeps Its Categories With Nine Wins, Including Best Feature In this scene, Elwood gets transported to Nickel Academy after being accused of having stolen a car.—
Hilton Dresden,
The Hollywood Reporter,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The previous Angels closer, Carlos Estévez, in his only full season with the Angels (2023), converted 31 of 35 chances.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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The property owners are asking that the Shell gasoline station’s full access on Ogden Falls Boulevard be converted to right-in, right-out, the median on the road be removed and the nearby access drive to their properties be granted full access, Leighty said.—
Linda Girardi,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Then, almost missing the cue, Belushi stepped forward and grabbed the mic stand.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2025
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Brendan Coyle made five 3-pointers and grabbed six rebounds.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Hartford Courant,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Delle had set the glass on the floor, and was now occupying her hands by picking at her inky black manicure.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
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The New Jersey site holds an 1836 stone house once occupied by a man who illustrated the Wizard of Oz books and stories.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Commandeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commandeer. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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