Definition of peremptorynext
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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 The lawyers accused prosecutors of using seven of their nine peremptory strikes to remove Black jurors from the prospective panel before the final jury was selected. Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025 The defense challenged some of the government’s peremptory strikes over suggestions of racial bias. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 13 May 2025 The selection process included the use of peremptory strikes by both the prosecution and defense, allowing each side to dismiss certain jurors without giving a reason. Amanda Castro joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for peremptory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peremptory
Adjective
  • The authoritarian regime has brutally oppressed the people of Iran for generations.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Or think of how extreme weather can disrupt voting access, creating real and perceived grievances that are fertile ground for authoritarian interference in elections.
    Michael Chertoff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • He’s also been convicted of improper disposal of a human body, compulsory insurance violations, distributing or dispensing Class B drugs, and possession with intent to distribute Class B drugs.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Bella Paguyo returns after winning last year’s compulsory title; she’ll be joined by a quartet of stellar freshmen.
    Breven Honda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Planning for more than 11 contests out of Dobbins, something only produced twice over his first six NFL seasons, isn’t just arrogant.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Capitalize on the overwhelming support for legislative transparency and Spilka, Mariano and Attorney General Andea Campbell’s arrogant refusal to implement it.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In his ruling, Estudillo said the group failed to show that they were denied passes because of their political affiliations — which would be a violation of their First Amendment rights — and failed to show that the process was arbitrary, which would have violated their due process rights.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Teaching of the Kurdish language is restricted, Kurdish names are banned from official registration, and Kurdish activists face arbitrary detention.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Adam McKay’s toxically smug dissection of Dick Cheney fails to take the full measure of this monstrous vice-president, but even so, Bale taps into something elemental about the man’s arrogance and domineering personality.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Sophie Turner plays Anne, living in the countryside and struggling in poverty with her domineering mother-in-law Morwen (Harden).
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Federal safety regulations limit truckers to 11 hours of driving within any 14-hour workday, followed by a mandatory 10 consecutive hours of rest.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Prosecutors said Khan’s third year of his sentence is suspended and will be served under mandatory supervision by probation officers.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The last two Super Bowls were decided by superior defenses.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026
  • In a news release last week, WBD said the Paramount offer was a superior proposal to the one offered by Netflix.
    Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The foundation of San Diego’s fast start has been an organized, increasingly authoritative defensive spine led by Christopher McVey, Manu Duah and Kieran Sargeant.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • That decline in leadership shows up in authoritative surveys like the Pew Research Center’s benchmark poll, which finds that trust in government to do what’s right is hovering near historic lows.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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