domineering 1 of 2

Definition of domineeringnext

domineering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of domineer

Synonym Chooser

How is the word domineering distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of domineering are imperative, imperious, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When could imperative be used to replace domineering?

In some situations, the words imperative and domineering are roughly equivalent. However, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

In what contexts can imperious take the place of domineering?

The meanings of imperious and domineering largely overlap; however, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When would masterful be a good substitute for domineering?

While the synonyms masterful and domineering are close in meaning, masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of domineering?

The synonyms peremptory and domineering are sometimes interchangeable, but peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of domineering
Adjective
August is a violent, domineering, bullying boss who starves and beats the animals in his circus and doesn’t treat his human workers much better. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026 Among those acolytes is Lucien (Jérémy Gillet), a reedy, repressed young virgin who yearns to be part of the gay community but hasn’t the courage to come out to his domineering mother Christine (Elisabeth Wiener), who also just happens to be the country’s very right-wing health minister. Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 May 2026 Down at the bottom of the hierarchy, or really not ranked at all, is Lucien (Jérémy Gillet), a fey and cosseted twink of privilege who longs to meet Jim but is kept at home, safely away from anything gay, by his domineering mother. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 After being expelled from Brown University for sneaking a coed into his room, Turner came to Atlanta to work as an account executive for his domineering father’s billboard company, Turner Advertising. David Bauder, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for domineering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering
Adjective
  • In the nation’s gravest hour, the country’s authoritarian regime has crippled an effective response, say survivors, rescue workers and former officials.
    Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
  • Some are fleeing authoritarian regimes, war or natural disasters.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • In just his seventh career start, Bennett (3-3) struck out six with no walks while dominating the last-place Angels until the their two-run eighth.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Spain finally got on the board after dominating possession and chances thus far.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • West Germany, arrogant attitude adjusted, pounded Chile, 4-1.
    David j. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Lasso, in his initial introduction to audiences, wasn’t the warm, pun-loving, inspirational coach audiences would eventually embrace through Apple +, but a slightly arrogant buffoon parodying the average American sports fan.
    Charles Moss, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • According to Reuters, in the lead-up to SpaceX’s IPO Musk was dictating terms to Goldman Sachs and other banks.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026
  • But there is no rule or contractual deadline dictating this has to be done before the NBA Draft gets underway on Tuesday.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • While the shifter is tiny and driver-assistance systems can be overbearing, the S3 ultimately delivers a fun, polished, and fast luxury performance.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Across the short films, Early plays, among other roles, a smiling, fiendish mall pop act; the shy, offbeat child of an overbearing stage mom; and an extra in a makeup chair whose instruments, his face and his voice, are progressively hampered by prosthetics.
    Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Norway was itself a colonizer, and programs oppressing indigenous cultures and languages were in place well into the 1960s.
    Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
  • Having been raised not too far from similarly-minded environs, this Turkish critic knows that keeping a pure and noble familial slate in patriarchy often means oppressing women.
    Tomris Laffly, Variety, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • The moon is charging up your bossy 10th house of career, reputation and visibility, putting your ambitions, accomplishments and leadership qualities under the spotlight.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
  • The Swallows were a pretty dull group of four siblings—Susan was always doing the cooking and discussing the best way to scramble egg, while bossy John was some kind of Tory MP in the making.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • The goal is gentle smoke and indirect heat rather than aggressive flames.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Right now, the multi-trillion-dollar global apparel industry is undergoing an aggressive technological shift, adopting artificial intelligence as a production standard rather than an experimental pilot.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Domineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/domineering. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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