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

McGuane also reminded me that Hemingway was, to put it politely, a complicated personality, a domineering figure prone to brawling, affairs, and cask-strength egoism. —Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025

Her anxiety stems from her domineering mother (Barbara Hershey) and rival dancer (Mila Kunis) who may or may not be after her part in the ballet. —Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025

Gein’s mother was cruel and domineering. —Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025

The domineering yet magnetic actor made the leap from London to the big screen, his sexy mad scientist becoming synonymous with controversy itself. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025