domineering

adjective

dom·​i·​neer·​ing ˌdä-mə-ˈnir-iŋ How to pronounce domineering (audio)
: inclined to exercise arbitrary and overbearing control over others
domineeringly adverb
domineeringness noun

Did you know?

To be domineering is to behave like a lord. (The word lordly doesn't express quite the same thing.) Someone who tells you what you can wear or what friends you can spend time with could be called domineering; so could someone who always decides what you're going to do with your free time. Those of us who grow up with a domineering parent usually flee as soon as we're old enough.

Choose the Right Synonym for domineering

masterful, domineering, imperious, peremptory, imperative mean tending to impose one's will on others.

masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

Examples of domineering in a Sentence

the younger children in the family were controlled by a domineering older sister
Recent Examples on the Web Not all of this works: The show can’t seem to decide whether Rupert is an unforgivable sociopath, or just the misunderstood victim of a domineering mother(*). Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2024 The young Zuko has been tasked with finding and capturing the Avatar, all in an attempt to impress his domineering father, the sinister Fire Lord Ozai (played byDaniel Dae Kim, who voiced roles in the original series and its spinoff The Legend of Korra). Devan Coggan, EW.com, 22 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, the girls deal with—among other afflictions—body-image issues, awful boyfriends, domineering mothers, and, of course, white privilege. Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2024 Read all our humble prayers to David E. Kelly and co. below: Photo: Getty Images Faye Dunaway would be perfect as Madeline’s (Reese Witherspoon) domineering perfectionist mother. Emma Specter, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2024 Last offseason, coming off back-to-back wins over formerly domineering rival Ohio State, the Michigan Wolverines made a bold statement about their mindset for 2023. J. Brady McCollough, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2023 Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson star as the young Von Erichs, while Holt McCallany plays the domineering family patriarch. Tyler Coates, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Nov. 2023 In the fourth and final season, Roman’s damaged psyche, an awful burden from the parenting techniques of his domineering father, Logan Roy, was revealed in ways that took him from comic relief to tragic figure. Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 12 Jan. 2024 Family success stories, whether in entertainment or sports, often come with the traumatic addition of a domineering father figure who worked his children to the bone. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'domineering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of domineering was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near domineering

Cite this Entry

“Domineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domineering. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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