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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

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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

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 imperious The 6-foot-3 receiver has looked imperious during one-on-one action and team drills, running fluid routes and using his size to win contested catches. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2025 Morocco looked imperious and more like nine-time champions than their opponents, who were playing with the nerves of a team under the weight of history. Alasdair Howorth, New York Times, 27 July 2025 Others compared it to a Greek monastery built on a pinnacle, or a medieval fortress imperious to sacking. Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025 Conflict reached a height of intensity during the Kennedy administration, when an assertive American president figuratively collided directly with imperious President Charles de Gaulle of France. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for imperious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperious
Adjective
  • Tanks rumbled through Tiananmen Square, a location that offered a stark reminder of how authoritarian states can violently crush democratic movements.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • On Thursday morning, opposition party Vente Venezuela denounced the detention of Julio Velazco, a local activist involved with the campaign of Maria Corina Machado, the main opposition leader who is still in hiding after the authoritarian push that followed the election.
    Andrew Raine, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These early years emphasized goofiness, offensiveness, and mocking arrogant celebrities who pushed their platforms at award shows.
    Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The announcement was made during a backstage segment involving NXT General Manager Ava and the arrogant superstar Lexis King.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • If senior figures display rudeness or disrespect, employees may assume that such behavior is acceptable, making selective enforcement seem arbitrary and undermining of trust.
    Andrew Binns, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Moreover, Burroughs further held that the administration’s actions were arbitrary and capricious, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
    Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Conversations about gun violence in Chicago can no longer focus solely on homicide and must be expanded to also integrate urgent matters of suicide prevention.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • This highlights the urgent need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being and create a more balanced, sustainable work culture.
    Clare Miller, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cappellazzo could be domineering.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
  • His Victor is the product of a coddling mother (Mia Goth), who dies young and leaves him emotionally adrift, and a domineering father (Charles Dance), who molds him into a brilliant but heedless inventor.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Some people with antiphospholipid syndrome—a condition associated with the formation of blood clots—can experience chorea (involuntary muscle movements) or acute changes in cognition (one of my patients was diagnosed after becoming markedly confused).
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The first stage, the acute phase, happens shortly after the infection, and the second stage, the chronic phase, occurs over a longer period of time.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Supplier Performance Risk System is the Pentagon’s authoritative system for supplier risk data.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Making use of both anchors in such fashion would put an authoritative person in the field and the studio, this person suggested, while giving the newscast the ability to deliver breaking news at the top of the broadcast.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The great power contest today seems to be between who will lead an increasingly autocratic world, and China is moving into the lead.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • London — The United States is sliding into 1930s-style autocratic politics, billionaire Ray Dalio has warned.
    Olesya Dmitracova, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imperious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperious. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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