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as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude she had such a peremptory approach to running the club that people started to avoid her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word peremptory distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of peremptory are domineering, imperative, imperious, and masterful. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

When is domineering a more appropriate choice than peremptory?

Although the words domineering and peremptory have much in common, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

Where would imperative be a reasonable alternative to peremptory?

The words imperative and peremptory are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

When might imperious be a better fit than peremptory?

While the synonyms imperious and peremptory are close in meaning, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When would masterful be a good substitute for peremptory?

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

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

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 peremptory If both sides were allowed an unlimited number of peremptory strikes, impaneling a jury in any trial would prove an impossible task. Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024 The parties are allowed to strike an unlimited number of jurors for cause, while each side is permitted ten peremptory strikes, which are used to excuse jurors for any reason. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2024 After all objections are made — either for cause or via peremptory strike — those who remain are chosen to serve, Hamilton said. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2024 Their fraught reunion happens on Ellis Island, where they are queried by a peremptory immigration official, who communicates in a mixture of English and trombone. Rhoda Feng, Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for peremptory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peremptory
Adjective
  • But by ceding global leadership to authoritarian China, Trump is creating a world that will almost certainly be hostile to the United States, its prosperity, and its people.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2025
  • My Favourite Cake has incurred the wrath of Iran’s authoritarian Islamic Republic regime due to the fact that Farhadpour is shown without a headscarf, while her character is also seen seeking companionship with an equally lonely widower and drinking wine with him.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • An early job as a lab technician was interrupted by five years of compulsory military service.
    Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
  • That’s because voting is compulsory in Australia, with the threat of a fine for noncompliance, and turnout typically exceeds 90 percent.
    Victoria Kim, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Packer, several surefire ways to ensure success start here: Be arrogant!
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In 1254, King Edward I and Queen Eleanor of Castile were married at a very young age, and although Edward had a reputation for being arrogant and quarrelsome, the pair eventually fell deeply in love.
    Gulnaz Khan, AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone who’s ever thrown a pitch or swung a bat knows that the umpire decides in the end — and those decisions have felt arbitrary and highly personal at times.
    Keith O'Brien, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Trump’s arbitrary 75-day pause on the TikTok ban would expire April 5, 2025.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Here's Your Zodiac Love Compatibility, Based on Your Sign Sagittarius: Rachel Chu from Crazy Rich Asians To maintain her relationship, Rachel takes on a fight with her boyfriend’s domineering mother Eleanor.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • He’s had something of a habit of playing domineering fathers, doing so on Ugly Betty (2006–2007) and as Charles Widmore on Lost (2006–2010).
    Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Thankfully the email and password combo that used to drive the threat is becoming less dangerous, as 2FA and soon passkeys become mandatory.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The bill instructs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid, to slash $880 billion in mandatory spending.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Recently, a bold and intriguing narrative emerged from the Women’s National Basketball Association, where several players have publicly declared their capabilities as being on par with, if not superior to, those in the National Basketball Association.
    Nafees Alam, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The Pixel Watch 3 is superior to both with its mix of static and dynamic scores that offer more depth of insight.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This was the sort of authoritative result that proves Missouri could make some noise come March.
    Brendan Marks, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Isbell’s authoritative vocal performance also highlighted his savvy wordplay and observations, tools that reinforced his music’s tight links with descriptive language and honest perspective.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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