IMPERIOUS Synonyms: 249 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'imperious' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperious are domineering , imperative , masterful , and peremptory . While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance. // an imperious executive used to getting his own way

Q: When would 'domineering' be a good substitute for 'imperious'?

The synonyms domineering and imperious are sometimes interchangeable, but domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will. // children controlled by domineering parents

Q: When could 'imperative' be used to replace 'imperious'?

While the synonyms imperative and imperious are close in meaning, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate. // an imperative appeal for assistance

Q: In what contexts can 'masterful' take the place of 'imperious'?

The words masterful and imperious can be used in similar contexts, but masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively. // her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

Q: When is it sensible to use 'peremptory' instead of 'imperious'?

The words peremptory and imperious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent. // given a peremptory dismissal

imperious

adjective

im-ˈpir-ē-əs

Definition of imperious next

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around an imperious little boy who liked to tell the other scouts what to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude an imperious movie star who thinks she's some sort of goddess

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arbitrary

having or showing a tendency to force one's will on others without any regard to fairness or necessity an office administrator with an imperious manner that really grates on people

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in urgent

needing immediate attention as war casualties mounted, the need for trained nurses became imperious

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word imperious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperious are domineering, imperative, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When would domineering be a good substitute for imperious?

The synonyms domineering and imperious are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 imperious?

While the synonyms imperative and imperious are close in meaning, 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 masterful take the place of imperious?

The words masterful and imperious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 imperious?

The words peremptory and imperious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

Examples 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 imperious Trump’s presence was felt only at the front desk, where his image sat on a table, looking imperious on the cover of a business magazine. —

Paula Aceves, Curbed, 31 Oct. 2024 Both of Larrain’s previous off-kilter biopics, 2016’s Jackie and 2021’s Spencer, earned Best Actress noms for their stars, and this one too has a thrilling interplay between the legend of La Callas and Jolie’s own imperious star image. —

Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2024 Americans and Brits, being less royalist and more empirical in temperament, are bewildered by the general French understanding that the top thinker is supposed to be imperious and maximalist. —

Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 Lithgow’s character, the imperious Cardinal Tremblay, hopes to snag enough votes to claim to become the next pope, but his past deeds may threaten his ambitions. —

Eric Andersson, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imperious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperious

Adjective

Expect plenty of hot takes, including a barrage of think pieces, seeing as, in this telling, the Wizard is an authoritarian leader using scapegoating to prey on — and stoke — people’s fears.

Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
Yet, according to a February study by the Pew Research Center, 32% of Americans believe a military regime or an authoritarian leader would be a better way of governing the country.

Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024