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as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude she had such a peremptory approach to running the club that people started to avoid her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word peremptory distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of peremptory are domineering, imperative, imperious, and masterful. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

When is domineering a more appropriate choice than peremptory?

Although the words domineering and peremptory have much in common, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

Where would imperative be a reasonable alternative to peremptory?

The words imperative and peremptory are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

When might imperious be a better fit than peremptory?

While the synonyms imperious and peremptory are close in meaning, 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 peremptory?

The words masterful and peremptory can be used in similar contexts, but masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

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 peremptory Friday was the day that attorneys for the prosecution and defense would further question the 43 men and women from the jury pool, whittling that group down to 12 jurors and six alternates by exercising their peremptory strikes. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 Nineteen potential jurors who were questioned Monday are expected to be considered for the panel in the peremptory strike phase, when attorneys for both sides can opt to strike a prospective juror for almost any reason. Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 5 May 2025 The jury of five men and seven women, as well as two alternates, was finalized shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday following the questioning of 45 potential jurors and for-cause and peremptory strikes from both sides. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Officials subjected to peremptory orders gradually realized that ignoring them carried little penalty. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peremptory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peremptory
Adjective
  • While Western democracies debate environmental reviews and grid reliability, authoritarian systems can rapidly direct energy flows to computing infrastructure.
    Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • North Korea is under sanctions from the United States — as well as the United Nations and several other countries — largely in response to the isolated authoritarian state's weapons programs.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • For example, Department of Education regulators are tasked with determining what subjects private institutions are teaching and if their curriculum adheres to compulsory education standards.
    Adina Mermelstein Konikoff, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
  • Written as the compulsory number for the middle school division of the 92nd NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition, the song launched with 26,388 downloads to hit No. 1 for metric, while coming in at No. 16 for streaming, No. 15 for video, and No. 56 for radio.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to Sandler, the 2025 film also sees the return of several familiar faces, including Julie Bowen as Happy’s love interest, Virginia Venit; Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s arrogant nemesis; and Ben Stiller as Hal L., the orderly from Happy’s grandmother’s nursing home.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Christopher McDonald plays Happy’s comically villainous, arrogant rival Shooter McGavin, maestro of the finger guns.
    Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Florida court contrived a weird and arbitrary compromise, granting new sentencing hearings only to death row prisoners whose sentences were considered final after 2002, when the U.S. court issued a decision that was a precursor to Hurst’s.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 July 2025
  • Ultimately, Bae acknowledges, these classifications are somewhat arbitrary.
    Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Avoid being domineering, but also avoid being stepped on by someone else.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 July 2025
  • My Mom Died is a heartbreaking and hilarious recounting of McCurdy’s struggles as a former child actor while dealing with her overbearing, domineering mother.
    Charley Ross, Glamour, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Pakistan now faces a mandatory review — a final phase requiring endorsement from key FATF members.
    Jack Rosen, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
  • So why haven’t more cities made curbside composting easier, or even mandatory? Curbside Composting Is Growing, But Access Lags California and Vermont are the only two states that currently mandate some form of household curbside composting access; Washington state’s law becomes effective in 2030.
    Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • As a collective, HQ Portfolio stocks provided superior returns with lower risk compared to the benchmark index; a smoother journey, as evidenced in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The Chicago Cubs have been passed up by the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League Central lead, and that's due to the Brewers' superior pitching staff.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
    Steve Inskeep, NPR, 14 July 2025
  • There’s an authoritative front grille and bumper, and revised rear tail lights.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

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