IMPERIOUSLY Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

imperiously

adverb

Definition of imperiously

as in haughtily

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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 imperiously Timothy delighted in looking down imperiously at David, Peter and me. — Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026 Wilde is at her best when Erika is imperiously giving orders or expounding — in seriousness or mischief? — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperiously

Adverb

The previous truths, long vivified by history, have been haughtily dismissed by the Journal’s editorial page.

— John Tamny, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

Definition of haughtily

Adverb

Sophie Cunningham has become a megastar by boldly stating that men have no business competing in women’s sports — all while shooting the lights out from beyond the 3-point arc.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
At best, this boldly immersive effort will find a home at other festivals and in one-off screenings, whereas general indie distribution seems unlikely.

— Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of boldly

Adverb

Hazel swung the lamp in her hand and looked contemptuously at Ginny, surrounded by the naturalists and the teachers, who whispered encouragement.

— Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Men sneered contemptuously at them, while teenagers used their names as insults.

— Mikhail Zygar, Vanity Fair, 7 Jan. 2026

Definition of contemptuously

Adverb

But among their best qualities, Dick Riordan was arrogantly confident, Jim Hahn had a steady hand on the tiller, Antonio Villaraigosa was tireless and passionate, Eric Garcetti was a long-range thinker on earthquakes, water and energy.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
But the majority in 2019 said federal courts aren’t competent to decide when gerrymandering goes too far, even when the culprits arrogantly boast about it, as some did in Tallahassee.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

Definition of arrogantly

Adverb

This is the friction that Tariq felt was a nonnegotiable for the film, factions of an immigrant community torn between assimilating into American culture and proudly celebrating its differences as loudly as possible.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
And his film, at once proudly unlikable and meticulously realized, is both a daring display of craft and a rude sign of life—which is to say, the opposite of depressing.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of proudly

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“Imperiously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperiously. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of imperiously

adverb

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