peremptory

adjective

pe·​remp·​to·​ry pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē 

1

a

: putting an end to or precluding a right of action, debate, or delay

specifically : not providing an opportunity to show cause why one should not comply

a peremptory mandamus

b

: admitting of no contradiction

2

: expressive of urgency or command

a peremptory call

3

a

: characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance

how insolent of late he is become, how proud, how peremptory

—William Shakespeare

b

: indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature : haughty

a peremptory tone

peremptory disregard of an objection

peremptorily

pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rə-lē 

-ˌrem(p)-ˈtȯr-ə-lē

adverb

peremptoriness

pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē-nəs 

noun

Did you know?

Peremptory comes from Latin perimere, which means "to take entirely" or "to destroy." The prefix per- means "thoroughly," and emere means "to take." Implying the removal of one's option to disagree or contest something, peremptory stays close to its roots.

Synonyms

• authoritarian
• authoritative
• autocratic
• autocratical
• bossy
• despotic
• dictatorial
• domineering
• imperious
• masterful
• overbearing
• tyrannical
• tyrannic
• tyrannous

Choose the Right Synonym for peremptory

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 peremptory in a Sentence

Her peremptory tone angered me.

the governor's peremptory personal assistant began telling the crowd of reporters and photographers exactly where they had to stand

Recent Examples on the Web

The lawyers accused prosecutors of using seven of their nine peremptory strikes to remove Black jurors from the prospective panel before the final jury was selected. —Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025

The defense challenged some of the government’s peremptory strikes over suggestions of racial bias. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 13 May 2025

The selection process included the use of peremptory strikes by both the prosecution and defense, allowing each side to dismiss certain jurors without giving a reason. —Amanda Castro joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

The jury has still yet to be confirmed for the trial, as the 43 potential jurors will be brought in early Monday morning for peremptory strikes. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English peremptorie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin peremptorius, from Latin, destructive, from perimere to take entirely, destroy, from per- thoroughly + emere to take — more at redeem

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing peremptory

• peremptory challenge

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Kids Definition

peremptory

adjective

pe·​remp·​to·​ry pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē 

1

: not to be refused

a peremptory summons from the boss

2

: expressing command

called for silence with a peremptory gesture

3

: showing the attitude of one accustomed to command : arrogant

the peremptory tone caused resentment

peremptorily

-t(ə-)rə-lē 

adverb

peremptoriness

-t(ə-)rē-nəs 

noun

Legal Definition

peremptory

1 of 2 adjective

pe·​remp·​to·​ry pə-ˈremp-tə-rē 

1

: permitting no dispute, alternative, or delay

specifically : not providing an opportunity to show cause why one should not comply

when the right to require the performance of the act is clear and it is apparent that no valid excuse can be given for not performing it, a peremptory mandamus may be allowed

—Revised Statutes of Nebraska

2

: not requiring cause see also peremptory challenge at challenge

peremptorily

pə-ˈremp-tə-rə-lē, -ˌremp-ˈtōr-ə-lē 

adverb

peremptoriness

-ˈremp-tə-rē-nəs 

noun

peremptory

2 of 2 noun

plural peremptories

: peremptory challenge at challenge

Etymology

Late Latin peremptorius, from Latin, destructive, from perimere to take entirely, destroy