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
Adjective
And one of the reasons the film doesn’t succeed is Meryl Streep’s grotesque performance as the filterless, domineering matriarch. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 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 But as Blitzer points out, the Magnificent 7's domineering influence does not mean the S&P 500 is broken. Alex Mayyasi, NPR, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for domineering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering
Adjective
  • Led by a far-right authoritarian government, the country has nevertheless encouraged rooftop and utility-scale solar through a mix of government rebates and relaxed regulations.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Unlike communism and other authoritarian systems of government, democratic socialists believe in democracy.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Billboard’s Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that will be dominating playlists this weekend and beyond.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Elsewhere on the ice, Jordan Stolz is a favorite to medal in speedskating after dominating in both the 500 meters and the 1,000 meters over the last two years in the sport’s world cup.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The pilot opens with Powell’s character, arrogant college quarterback Russ Holliday, leading his Oregon Ducks team in the National Championship game against Georgia at the Rose Bowl.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It’s been 120 full years since Einstein first put forth his special theory of relativity into the world, dictating how neither space nor time were absolute, but rather the speed of light was.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Clearly the big corporate topic has been dictating our lives.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In this slasher comedy, teenager Jamie (Kiernan Shipka) grows up as the daughter of a Final Girl (Julie Bowen), who is now an overbearing mother still traumatized by her experiences as a teen.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Perfect for the living room, kitchen, or entryway, the herbal candle’s scent is bright without being overbearing and comes in a neutral grey jar that looks sleek on display.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Now, the Franciscan missionaries oppressing the Native Americans in the painting had arrows piercing their heads and bodies.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Sybil was hotelier Basil Fawlty’s acerbic and bossy wife, who argued frequently with Basil and was often the subject of his ire.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
  • On the show, Scales’ bossy Sybil Fawlty and Cleese’s dysfunctional Basil Fawlty run a hotel in the town of Torquay in Devon, England.
    Rhett Bartlett, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of the aggressive tactics used by Border Patrol and ICE, including against US citizens.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The Chiefs were again aggressive on fourth down — and successful at stopping them, too.
    Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Domineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/domineering. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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