commander in chief

noun phrase

Synonyms of commander in chiefnext
: one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

Examples of commander in chief in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the problem is bigger than any single commander in chief. — ABC News, 6 May 2026 During the war Menelaus serves under his elder brother Agamemnon, the commander in chief of the Greek forces. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 2026 For most first ladies, the barrage softens or dissipates considerably after their husband leaves his tenure as commander in chief. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 15 June 2026 Voter inattention to the issue has contributed to frequent presidential overreach in flexing the muscles of the commander in chief. — James Cramer, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for commander in chief

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of commander in chief was in 1654

Rhymes for commander in chief

See All Rhymes for commander in chief

Browse Nearby Words

commander
commander in chief
commandership
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Cite this Entry

“Commander in chief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commander%20in%20chief. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

commander in chief

: one who holds the supreme command of an armed force

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