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
A lot of people have commandeered our story and our voices.
—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 20 Feb. 2025
The company has since commandeered the AI boom, most famously through the release of ChatGPT.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
In a more futuristic vein, the response to climate warming will create new technologies, some of them in the realm of geo-engineering which may be able to alter the effects of climate damage, but that might also be commandeered for harm.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
To celebrate the launch of the online store, Orbi will commandeer the Sphere’s Instagram on Thursday (@SphereVegas) and will answer fan questions starting at 3 p.m. ET.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 20 Feb. 2025
The company has since commandeered the AI boom, most famously through the release of ChatGPT.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
In a more futuristic vein, the response to climate warming will create new technologies, some of them in the realm of geo-engineering which may be able to alter the effects of climate damage, but that might also be commandeered for harm.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
To celebrate the launch of the online store, Orbi will commandeer the Sphere’s Instagram on Thursday (@SphereVegas) and will answer fan questions starting at 3 p.m. ET.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for commandeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commandeer
Verb
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Miami, after a 37-45 NBA regular season wrought with chaos and controversy, hijacked by the Jimmy Butler drama and trade, has fed its fans late cause to hope, at least, if not quite believe yet.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
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An American citizen was shot and killed by a passenger on Thursday during his attempt to hijack a plane in Belize.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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These results suggest that media-savvy Democrats who seize this moment to call out Trump and the MAGA agenda could put themselves in a strong position to become the next leader of the Democratic Party.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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This shift could unlock massive opportunities for entrepreneurs who are bold enough to act, smart enough to wait for clarity, and strategic enough to seize the moment.—
Dileep Rao,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Then, in 2010, the bank where the chips were stored confiscated the chips after opening the deposit box.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
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The animals were confiscated and given to multiple wildlife agencies for care, according to the post.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Thankfully this judge, unlike Congress, is unwilling to allow his power to be usurped freely without a fight.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2025
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The door remains open, albeit slightly, for the Blue Jackets to run the table and somehow usurp the Canadiens to enter the playoffs.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Coop is fired from his high-profile finance job, starts stealing from his wealthy neighbors to keep up his lifestyle, chaos ensues, and get your popcorn ready.—
Danielle Pergament,
SELF,
10 Apr. 2025
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When Myers arrived at the shed, Mahdi attacked, shooting him nine times, pouring diesel fuel on his body and setting him on fire before stealing his police truck and multiple guns, court records say.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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However, his time with the Patriots was brief—the team had drafted him with the intention of converting him to another position like defensive back or running back, position changes Gannon resisted.—
Omaid Homayun,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The largest cause of deforestation is a lack of demand for forest products, which causes our forest to be converted to industrial, agricultural, residential uses.—
Rob Marciano,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
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So grab a pencil, a few colors or a coloring book and enjoy your boosted brain power.—
Ann Kowal Smith,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Last spring, Harvard students protesting Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza occupied the university's central courtyard for 20 days and staged a 24-hour sit-in in another building.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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The Israeli Defense Forces now claim to occupy some 30% of Gaza territory.—
Lucien Bruggeman,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commandeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commandeer. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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