Synonyms of domineering

domineering 1 of 2

adjective

ˌdä-mə-ˈnir-iŋ 

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around

the younger children in the family were controlled by a domineering older sister

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

domineering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of domineer

as in dominating

Related Words

• dominating
• dictating
• oppressing
• tyrannizing
• mastering
• reigning (over)
• managing
• regulating
• supervising
• administering
• micromanaging
• superintending
• subjugating
• conquering
• overseeing
• subduing
• lording (it over)
• controlling
• leading
• governing
• ruling
• conducting
• directing
• swaying
• presiding (over)
• heading
• commanding
• bossing
• captaining

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

Recent Examples of domineering

Adjective

That’s a little too farcical for the moment, and the final cut lands more in a place of domineering intrigue. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026

His domineering physical appearance coupled with his goofy online persona have contributed to the craze. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Now Moon juggles her domineering personality and the family’s poor finances. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026

Musk’s company has inked lucrative AI deals with Anthropic and Google and plans to be the domineering firm behind orbital data centers, which SpaceX has said could be deployed as early as 2028. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026