as in domineering
fond of ordering people around
I don't want to work with him because he's so bossy and always runs roughshod over me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bossy
With the aid of his bossy mom Audrey (a delectable Amanda Redman) who comes to live with him and his two dachshunds, Daniel turns into an amateur sleuth and comes up with red herrings and clues aplenty pertaining to World War II history, secrets, trysts and even paintings.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2025
On the second take, Russell’s bossy tone rubbed up nicely against the neediness of the moment.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
The Boy Is Mine Tour kicking off next month, many fans were curious to know if the duo would ask concertgoers to adapt a certain dress code, with the pair coming up with a bossy suggestion that speaks to their positions in the music game.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 19 Sep. 2025
August begins with Mars’ debut in Libra, energizing your bossy 10th house of authority, career and reputation in the world, prompting you to focus on your professional life and public image, which leaves little time for romance.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bossy
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2025
On the second take, Russell’s bossy tone rubbed up nicely against the neediness of the moment.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
The Boy Is Mine Tour kicking off next month, many fans were curious to know if the duo would ask concertgoers to adapt a certain dress code, with the pair coming up with a bossy suggestion that speaks to their positions in the music game.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 19 Sep. 2025
August begins with Mars’ debut in Libra, energizing your bossy 10th house of authority, career and reputation in the world, prompting you to focus on your professional life and public image, which leaves little time for romance.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bossy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bossy
Adjective
-
That premonition rings true when his parents (Tara Buckman, Geoff Hansen) are slaughtered by a carjacker dressed as Old Saint Nick himself (Charles Dierkop) just hours later, condemning the toddler into further moral compass trauma at an orphanage run by a domineering Mother Superior nun from Hell.—
Huntley Woods,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Dec. 2025
-
Orgon’s only ally is his domineering parade float of a mother, Madame Pernelle (the Bianca del Rio), who sails onto the stage in high dudgeon at the top of the play.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Led by a far-right authoritarian government, the country has nevertheless encouraged rooftop and utility-scale solar through a mix of government rebates and relaxed regulations.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Unlike communism and other authoritarian systems of government, democratic socialists believe in democracy.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This version of Ryan was arrogant, unable to conceal pride in his accomplishment.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bossy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bossy. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share