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
Under the direction of Robert Wise and director-choreographer Jerome Robbins (who also commandeered the original stage production), the playgrounds and fire escapes of the Upper West Side framed an epic—and enduringly compelling—urban love story.
—
Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025
National security officials who favor a strong U.S. commitment to Taiwan frequently cite their concern that China could commandeer high-tech assets on the island.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
The next shift, in both the number and geographical range of piracy incidents, came around 2007, when those involved began commandeering larger boats for use in storming commercial carriers hundreds of nautical miles from the Somali coast.
—Soham Mitra, Lou Robinson and Patrick Gallagher, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
And for those weary of sharing the property, rest assured that guests are free to roam the backyard and commandeer the pool at their convenience.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025
National security officials who favor a strong U.S. commitment to Taiwan frequently cite their concern that China could commandeer high-tech assets on the island.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
The next shift, in both the number and geographical range of piracy incidents, came around 2007, when those involved began commandeering larger boats for use in storming commercial carriers hundreds of nautical miles from the Somali coast.
—Soham Mitra, Lou Robinson and Patrick Gallagher, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
And for those weary of sharing the property, rest assured that guests are free to roam the backyard and commandeer the pool at their convenience.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commandeer
Verb
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The latest clash, on March 11, appeared to mark a dramatic new level in its guerrilla and terror operations when a BLA force hijacked a train, resulting in scores of deaths.—
Karl Vick,
TIME,
25 Mar. 2025
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Nearly 3,000 people were killed on Sept. 11, 2001, after terrorists hijacked planes and flew them into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Late last year, a U.K. court ruled that police could seize $3.3 million worth of frozen assets from the brothers to cover years of unpaid taxes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2025
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Documents show police seized the following items from Kohberger that night: four medical-style gloves, a white T-shirt, a Champion sweatshirt, a pair of size 13 Nike shoes, and black shorts, boxers and socks, all from Under Armour.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA TODAY,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Investigators had confiscated more than 335 pounds of meth, nearly 9 pounds of heroin, more than 1,500 fentanyl pills and more than $150,000 during the years-long operation before Wednesday’s seizures.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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But sneaking sausage is tame compared to these strange items confiscated by TSA.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Trump and some Republican allies have attacked Boasberg, calling for his impeachment and accusing him of seeking to usurp the power of the presidency.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
24 Mar. 2025
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What with the original PlayStation released back in 1994 in Japan and in 1995 across the rest of the world, the mighty console that usurped both Sega and Nintendo is now three decades old.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Carla O’Brien, a Pennsylvania mother and wife of a Pittsburgh Police lieutenant, is accused of stealing $147,408 from the Fox Chapel Baseball Softball Association (FCABSA) for personal use during her time as treasurer, according to the Bridgeville Signal Item and other area outlets.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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The speedster can take extra bases on hits or steal them after reaching.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The 75,000-square-foot emporium, converted from a former JC Penney, is a wormhole to the food court of any baekhwajeom (department store galleria) in Seoul’s glitzy Gangnam district.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
31 Mar. 2025
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Inverters convert the battery's current and are used to control the motor.—
Aditi Shah and Norihiko Shirouzu,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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At this point, players are ready to grab the $150 bonus or a $1,500 first bet.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Mar. 2025
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Most people scroll past because your opening didn't grab them fast enough.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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School groups often occupy the facility from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays, so individual guests are encouraged to come at other times.—
Olivia Brandon,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Mar. 2025
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Banks do occupy some first-floor spots within the downtown.—
Marie Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commandeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commandeer. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
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