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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 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 The jury has still yet to be confirmed for the trial, as the 43 potential jurors will be brought in early Monday morning for peremptory strikes. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 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
  • Led by a far-right authoritarian government, the country has nevertheless encouraged rooftop and utility-scale solar through a mix of government rebates and relaxed regulations.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Unlike communism and other authoritarian systems of government, democratic socialists believe in democracy.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Rustin’s next-door neighbor thought they should be sent directly from school to compulsory work gangs.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Obomsawin’s score accompanies Julian Brave NoiseCat’s and Emily Kassie’s documentary investigating the history of abuse at Indian residential schools in Canada, a system that became compulsory in 1894.
    Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This version of Ryan was arrogant, unable to conceal pride in his accomplishment.
    Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
  • So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Landor should ahve been protected by the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, passed unanimously by Congress in 2000 to prevent state and local prisons from placing arbitrary or unnecessary restrictions on religious practices.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The notion of a non-arbitrary, standard length got a boost in the early days of physics, with the idea of a length that could be held to a standard that anyone on Earth could adhere to.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • As a young man, he was raised by his domineering father (Charles Dance), who sits with him and teaches him about the sciences.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
  • More relevant to this show, Ross also directed the fine 2016 film Captain Fantastic, starring Viggo Mortensen as a domineering father who isolates his six children from society.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Shouts for it will be met by angry fingers jutted towards the various gaffes played ad nauseam on Sky Sports’ weekly Ref Watch, or the mandatory pause before the emotional unleashing as VAR mulls over whether a goal is a goal or just a hoax.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Many are pulling six-day work weeks with mandatory overtime, and increasing numbers have begun calling out as the financial strain and exhaustion mount.
    JOSH FUNK, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • And when daily wear and tear was simulated – through continuous electric-toothbrush abrasion equivalent to about a year of brushing, as well as chewing and grinding – the teeth actually had superior resistance to wear, fracture and acid attack compared with natural enamel.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Instead of settling for 3-pointers, Boozer took the ball hard to the basket in the second half while a Duke team with obviously superior talent to Texas got untracked.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • By now, it’s well established that dialogues with chatbots sometimes fuel dangerous delusions, in part because LLMs can feel so authoritative despite their limitations.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025
  • And, in a pact similar to the one CNN has entered, CNBC struck a deal with Cisco in 2010 that showed how the technology company’s TelePresence networking equipment helped the news outlet bring authoritative sources to the screen.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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