imperious

im·pe·ri·ous

adj \im-ˈpir-ē-əs\

Definition of IMPERIOUS

1

a : befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : commanding, dominant <an imperious manner> b : marked by arrogant assurance : domineering

2

: intensely compelling : urgent <the imperious problems of the new age — J. F. Kennedy>

— im·pe·ri·ous·ly adverb

— im·pe·ri·ous·ness noun

Examples of IMPERIOUS

1. <an imperious little boy who liked to tell the other scouts what to do>
2. <an imperious movie star who thinks she's some sort of goddess>

Origin of IMPERIOUS

Latin imperiosus, from imperium

First Known Use: 1540

Related to IMPERIOUS

Synonyms: authoritarian, authoritative, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, domineering, bossy, masterful, overbearing, peremptory, tyrannical (also tyrannic), tyrannous

Antonyms: humble, lowly, modest, unarrogant, unpretentious

Related Words: arrogant, assumptive, disdainful, fastuous, haughty, highfalutin (also hifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-hat, huffy, important, lofty, lordly, overweening, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious, proud, self-asserting, supercilious, superior, toplofty (also toploftical), uppish, uppity; commanding, controlling, dictating, regimental; arbitrary, high-handed, imperial; directorial, magisterial; aggressive, assertive, self-assertive; imperative; conceited, narcissistic, pompous, vain; all-powerful, almighty, omnipotent; firm, stern

Near Antonyms: humble, meek, modest, unassuming; amenable, docile, obedient, tractable; indecisive, irresolute; acquiescent, compliant, passive, resigned, submissive, yielding

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See Synonym Discussion at masterful

Rhymes with IMPERIOUS

cinereous, delirious, Guarnerius, mysterious, Tiberius