domineering 1 of 2

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
Verb
My Mom Died is a heartbreaking and hilarious recounting of McCurdy’s struggles as a former child actor while dealing with her overbearing, domineering mother. Charley Ross, Glamour, 2 July 2025 My Mom Died is a heartbreaking and funny recounting of Jennette McCurdy’s struggles as a former child actor while dealing with her overbearing, domineering mother. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 July 2025 The end of season 2 turned the tables on the meek Ada and domineering Agnes when Agnes lost her fortune thanks to her son Oscar (Blake Ritson) trusting the wrong people. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 June 2025 Compiled from Candace Bushnell’s column of the same name from The New York Observer, the book is a dark and bizarre look at dating in 1990s New York, where men are pathologically childish, cruel, and self-centered, and women are domineering, striving, and manipulative. Alice Bolin june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for domineering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering
Adjective
  • Tanks rumbled through Tiananmen Square, a location that offered a stark reminder of how authoritarian states can violently crush democratic movements.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • On Thursday morning, opposition party Vente Venezuela denounced the detention of Julio Velazco, a local activist involved with the campaign of Maria Corina Machado, the main opposition leader who is still in hiding after the authoritarian push that followed the election.
    Andrew Raine, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Would parity be more fun than the usual suspects dominating the high school football landscape every year?
    Cecil Joyce, The Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025
  • But there’s arguably too much of it, dominating the film’s slightly excessive run time.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These early years emphasized goofiness, offensiveness, and mocking arrogant celebrities who pushed their platforms at award shows.
    Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The announcement was made during a backstage segment involving NXT General Manager Ava and the arrogant superstar Lexis King.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Rivas campaign spokesperson Elizabeth Ashford said the events Moreno referred were state-sponsored and did not violate California law dictating that campaign staff cannot direct state staff to work on campaign-side events.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The 6ft 4in (193cm) midfielder excels at breaking up play, reading and dictating the game and playing incisive passes.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Their service struck the perfect balance between being attentive and respectful, but not overbearing.
    Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Wake follows four semi-estranged siblings who reunite for their father’s wake, only to clash with his overbearing side of the family in a tug-of-war over how to say goodbye.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The character, Olivia’s bossy butler, is one of the greatest parts in Shakespeare, and Dinklage delights in it.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Domineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/domineering. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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