Synonyms of bossy

bossy

adjective

ˈbȯ-sē 

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

• domineering
• authoritarian
• arrogant
• authoritative
• overbearing
• aggressive
• autocratic
• dictatorial
• tyrannical
• proud
• despotic
• imperious
• commanding
• tyrannous
• controlling
• masterful
• peremptory
• uppity
• stern
• haughty
• supercilious
• high-and-mighty
• important
• pretentious
• assertive
• regimental
• presumptuous
• superior
• huffy
• disdainful
• imperial
• assumptive
• conceited
• narcissistic
• arbitrary
• high-hat
• lordly
• uppish
• overweening
• magisterial
• high-handed
• pompous
• directorial
• omnipotent
• highfalutin
• all-powerful
• dictating
• self-assertive
• vain
• lofty
• fastuous
• self-asserting
• toplofty
• imperative
• almighty
• presuming
• firm

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• humble
• meek
• modest
• obedient
• unassuming
• docile
• amenable
• tractable
• passive
• indecisive
• submissive
• compliant
• irresolute
• yielding
• acquiescent
• resigned

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bossy

The gang has gathered, at the behest of Izzy’s bossy, flirty childhood friend Chaya (Zoë Winters), for an intervention. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

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, 20 May 2026

Running Furrever Friends is Brandi (Amy Sedaris), a bossy little Shih Tzu, and her owner, Seth (Gil Ozeri). — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026