lieutenant

noun

lü-ˈte-nənt How to pronounce lieutenant (audio)
Definition of lieutenantnext
as in assistant
a person who helps a more skilled person the drug lord has a pair of brutal lieutenants who do most of his dirty work for him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of lieutenant Those charged include a former sergeant, a former senior officer and a former lieutenant, as well as two current officers and one civilian employee, all of whom were assigned to the city’s 5th District. — Ben Conarck, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2026 Her recent promotion as lieutenant, assigned to the Homicide Cold Case Unit at the district attorney’s office, isn’t a reward as much as an exile. — Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 Throughout his career, Grove has been a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and Deputy Chief of Operations. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026 There’s the longtime police lieutenant, and the local career fishermen, and the seafood caterers, and the waitresses at a local restaurant—a couple of party-happy Irish girls, and a beleaguered Australian. — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lieutenant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lieutenant
  1. assistant
  2. adjutant
  3. aide
  4. deputy
  5. apprentice
  6. aid
Noun
  • This one was especially meaningful for 2010 Morton graduate Jimmy McCormack, an experienced assistant, including the previous two seasons as the Trojans’ offensive coordinator.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • O’Leary has helped himself by adding lots of experienced assistant coaches and former head coaches.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of assistant
Noun
  • But that hasn’t stopped out-of-state reenactors from worrying their muskets will be confiscated at the George Washington Bridge, says Justin Costantino, adjutant of the Long Island Companies of the 3rd New York Regiment.
    — Allen G. Breed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • In the months since fellow senior Legion executives suspended Abrahamson without pay from his statewide adjutant job in April, a number of the roughly 8,000 members in Idaho have called for a change in leadership.
    — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2024
Definition of adjutant
Noun
  • The Jackson campaign had commandeered the green room Bottoms and her aides were supposed to use for the event.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • While aides for the Sussexes insist that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no plans to become working royals in the future, Harry is said to be hoping to reconcile with his family and spend more time with his father.
    — Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of aide
Noun
  • Prince was able to free the ATV and accelerated toward the deputy, striking him and knocking him to the ground.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Hubble and Webb both have coronagraphs, but Roman’s experimental instrument is 100 to 1,000 times better than any built before, said Bertrand Mennesson, Roman deputy project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of deputy
Noun
  • Rolle emphasized that apprentices in MDC’s programs don’t have to pay for the costs of classes or equipment thanks to state and federal grants.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • So far, the apprentice program is a small but growing portion of that number.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • The City of Fort Worth is also working with the aid organization to help meet residents’ needs.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Wrongful death claim Ortiz failed to stop and render aid, the suit said, driving away from the scene.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of aid

Browse Nearby Words

lie up
lieutenant
lieutenants
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Cite this Entry

“Lieutenant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lieutenant. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lieutenant

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lieutenant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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