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
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 Randall is a rebellious new patient at a mental institution who does battle with Louise Fletcher’s domineering head nurse Mildred Ratched. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 May 2025 The trial had revealed Blue Cross’ domineering behavior. T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for domineering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering
Adjective
  • But he is despised by Thailand’s powerful elites, who saw his rule as corrupt, authoritarian and socially destabilizing.
    Lionel Lim, Fortune, 19 June 2025
  • Democracy organizations worldwide document how authoritarian regimes and opportunistic politicians weaponize AI to consolidate power.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 19 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
  • The protests proved conclusively that Americans will not tolerate the deployment of the U.S. military in American cities, the constant line-stepping over constitutional boundaries, the arrests of political dissenters, or the arrogant defense of police-state tactics.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • In Aesop’s fable, the turtle (traditionally called a tortoise, which is a type of turtle) is a winner, a perpetual underdog who defeats the arrogant hare.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • A lot of Carmen's overbearing attitude and protectiveness towards Ana comes from fear of the unknown.
    Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Playing with texture is spirited without being too overbearing.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • With the sun in Cancer igniting your bossy 10th house of career, publicity and reputation in the world, the spotlight shifts to your professional goals, sense of authority and public persona.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 June 2025
  • The full moon in Sagittarius on June 11 will ignite your bossy 10th house of authority, urging you to take a closer look at how your professional life influences your personal life.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Domineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/domineering. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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