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Synonyms

chain of command

American  

noun

  1. a series of administrative or military ranks, positions, etc., in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.

Etymology

Origin of chain of command

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Cases that merit enhanced scrutiny are moved up the chain of command.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

It combines three special investigations bureaus from each of the three military branches into one, removing them from any direct chain of command.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Firefighters said they adhered to the LAFD’s strict chain of command and did not question higher-ups, while those in charge had fuzzy memories or shifted responsibility to others.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

"The chain of command within Iran's armed forces is unclear," said Farhad Mammadov, head of the Baku-based South Caucasus Studies Center.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

“I’ve said for years,” Resch murmured, “that the Boneli Reflex-Arc Test should be applied routinely to police personnel, the higher up the chain of command, the better. Haven’t I, Inspector?”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.