ultimatum

noun

ul·ti·ma·tum ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-təm

-ˈmä-

plural ultimatums or ultimata ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-tə

-ˈmä-

Synonyms of ultimatum next

: a final proposition, condition, or demand

especially : one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct action

Examples of ultimatum in a Sentence

She was given an ultimatum—work harder or lose her job. issued the ultimatum that the project be finished by the following week, or it would be terminated

Recent Examples on the Web Brave didn’t step aside until the county commissioners gave him an ultimatum and threatened to initiate a process to remove him against his will. —

Steven Porter, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Sep. 2023 After Antonio issued an ultimatum, the couple got engaged during the season 2 finale of The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On. —

Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 30 Aug. 2023 Ryann McCracken, 24, radiologic technologist (ultimatum giver), and James Morris, 24, graduate student and research assistant (ultimatum receiver). —

Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 21 Aug. 2023 In May, Netflix issued an ultimatum to freeloaders: Pony up an additional monthly fee to continue sharing the account or buy your own. —

Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2023 But the ultimatum also rallied many Nigeriens behind their new military leaders. —

Omar Hama Saley, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2023 After some more arguments and an ultimatum from Harding, the couple came back together for a less rocky journey—and snagged the crown. —

Time, 1 Aug. 2023 After the forced kiss, players again issued an ultimatum. —

Rachel Chaundler, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2023 Indeed, since there appears to be little public appetite for sacrificing our children’s futures upon the altar of their elders’ anxiety, what purpose does the Times’ warning serve other than as an ultimatum to the nation’s parents? —

The Editors, National Review, 31 Aug. 2023 See More

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