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
Set to serve as writer, executive producer and showrunner, while also directing select episodes, Flanagan’s series reimagines the story of misfit high-schooler Carrie White, who has spent her life in seclusion with her domineering mother. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 June 2025 During the early seasons, viewers saw Tamra kowtowing to Simon's domineering manner. Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025 The Canadian election result cautions against the Fortress North America concept, at once so domineering and so naive. David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025 Carrie is described as a reimagining of the story of misfit high schooler Carrie White, who has spent her life in seclusion with her domineering mother. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for domineering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering
Adjective
  • Defending institutions of higher education from increasingly authoritarian measures is an important way to safeguard not only academic freedom, but the legacy of 1776 as well.
    Time, Time, 1 July 2025
  • Even among authoritarian regimes, differences in values can limit cooperation.
    Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Outside cash is dominating the special election for a new county supervisor in the South Bay.
    Andrew Keatts, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Vancouver, meanwhile, fell short against the New York Rangers, despite thoroughly dominating play and out-chancing the struggling Rangers by a brutally lopsided margin.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Her larger-than-life ego and past as a shaman make Player 044 come off as arrogant and selfish, getting under just about everyone's skin.
    EW.com, EW.com, 4 July 2025
  • In 2022, Ackles joined the cast of Prime Video's The Boys as arrogant superhero Soldier Boy.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Yet, the messaging does not come across as too heavy or overbearing.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 17 June 2025
  • There’s deep emotion and vulnerability in Blanchett’s work, with its performance counteracting the New Boy’s calm and comfortable otherness with an almost overbearing dedication to care.
    Ella Kemp, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, some toddlers can also be quite bossy and demand that pretend play reaches their standards of entertainment and originality, instructing parents on the intricacies of the backstory and dialogue.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 2 July 2025
  • Giving a clear direction is different than being bossy!
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Domineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/domineering. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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