IMPERIOUS Synonyms: 249 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'imperious' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperious are domineering , imperative , masterful , and peremptory . While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance. // an imperious executive used to getting his own way

Q: When would 'domineering' be a good substitute for 'imperious'?

The synonyms domineering and imperious are sometimes interchangeable, but domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will. // children controlled by domineering parents

Q: When could 'imperative' be used to replace 'imperious'?

While the synonyms imperative and imperious are close in meaning, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate. // an imperative appeal for assistance

Q: In what contexts can 'masterful' take the place of 'imperious'?

The words masterful and imperious can be used in similar contexts, but masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively. // her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

Q: When is it sensible to use 'peremptory' instead of 'imperious'?

The words peremptory and imperious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent. // given a peremptory dismissal

imperious

adjective

im-ˈpir-ē-əs

Definition of imperious next

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around an imperious little boy who liked to tell the other scouts what to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude an imperious movie star who thinks she's some sort of goddess

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arbitrary

having or showing a tendency to force one's will on others without any regard to fairness or necessity an office administrator with an imperious manner that really grates on people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in urgent

needing immediate attention as war casualties mounted, the need for trained nurses became imperious

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word imperious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperious are domineering, imperative, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When would domineering be a good substitute for imperious?

The synonyms domineering and imperious are sometimes interchangeable, but domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When could imperative be used to replace imperious?

While the synonyms imperative and imperious are close in meaning, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

In what contexts can masterful take the place of imperious?

The words masterful and imperious can be used in similar contexts, but masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of imperious?

The words peremptory and imperious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

Examples 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 imperious Black, no slouch at imperious behavior, persuaded Hollinger’s board to make the purchase for him. —

Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 On a perfect night for racing, the skies clear, the air still and dry and borderline cool, this was supposed to be the ultimate showdown between the imperious Ingebrigtsen and Kerr, the brash Scot who has had Ingebrigtsen’s number for years. —

Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 6 Aug. 2024 Following, a drill down on four shoots which show how the imperious necessity to shoot in a country most often lies elsewhere. —

John Hopewell, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024 Intimate one-on-one interviews reveal in perfect clarity the imperious demands, emotional ambivalence, and sparkling humor that make Martha Stewart. —

Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imperious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperious

Adjective

Key Background Prisoners fled Syrian prisons this week after Assad’s regime fell, marking the end of the Assad family’s authoritarian rule over the country after more than 50 years.

Ty Roush, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of Assad, gathering in the capital's historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule.

ALBERT AJI AND MATTHEW LEE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024