ultimatum
noun
ul·ti·ma·tum
ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-təm 
-ˈmä-
-ˈmä-
plural ultimatums or ultimata
ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-tə
-ˈmä-
: 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
Facing a career-defining ultimatum, Smart balances biting humor with quiet devastation in a farewell monologue that showcases her unrivaled command of tone and timing.
—
H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
This grim ultimatum was aimed at moviegoers who had just lived through World War II.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
Although Canada subsequently announced that the tax would be rescinded in the interest of achieving a more broad comprehensive agreement with the U.S., Trump’s trade ultimatum exposed deep dysfunction.
—Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 3 July 2025
Even before the expiration of the war's longest ceasefire in March, Trump has repeatedly issued dramatic ultimatums to pressure Hamas to agree to longer pauses in the fighting that would see the release of more hostages and a return of more aid to Gaza's civilian populace.
—Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ultimatum
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H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
This grim ultimatum was aimed at moviegoers who had just lived through World War II.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
Although Canada subsequently announced that the tax would be rescinded in the interest of achieving a more broad comprehensive agreement with the U.S., Trump’s trade ultimatum exposed deep dysfunction.
—Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 3 July 2025
Even before the expiration of the war's longest ceasefire in March, Trump has repeatedly issued dramatic ultimatums to pressure Hamas to agree to longer pauses in the fighting that would see the release of more hostages and a return of more aid to Gaza's civilian populace.
—Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ultimatum
Cite this Entry
“Ultimatum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultimatum. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ultimatum
noun
ul·ti·ma·tum
ˌəl-tə-ˈmāt-əm
-ˈmät-
-ˈmät-
plural ultimatums or ultimata
-ə
: a demand that if rejected will bring about an end of peaceful talks and could lead to forceful action
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