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 Plenty of agency officials were already put off by the DOGErs, who often issued peremptory orders to meet with them and answer questions. Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025 The genius of the people will ill brook the inquisitive and peremptory spirit of excise laws. Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025 The administration’s radical and peremptory elimination of U.S. foreign assistance removed a lever of American influence and telegraphed a level of indifference that will not go unnoticed. Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Because of that, the prosecutor might exercise a peremptory strike. The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for peremptory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peremptory
Adjective
  • Regardless of why Americans express neutrality, those who do so are just as likely to vote for authoritarian politicians as the relatively small number of Americans (less than 1 in 5) who explicitly support undemocratic practices.
    Matthew E.K. Hall, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
  • Safety regulations – intended to constrain corporate power – in authoritarian regimes become tools to coerce compliance.
    Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women in Israel.
    Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
  • Attendance to the march wasn’t compulsory for Kings players.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • The tension between the two boils over into a confrontation which only Eisenhower can adjudicate, a task complicated by his own arrogant British subordinate, a wiry and dislikable General Bernard Montgomery - played with a villainous verve bordering on the pantomime by Damian Lewis.
    Daniel Jonah Wolpert, NPR, 29 May 2026
  • Public policy decisions always need to strive for middle ground, and those leadership decisions often referred to as arrogant can just as easily be called principled leadership.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • Given that, the court concluded that forcing UCAR to give up its supercomputing center was arbitrary and capricious, and thus violated the Administrative Procedures Act.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026
  • More people know about arbitrary arrests and imprisonments.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Among those acolytes is Lucien (Jérémy Gillet), a reedy, repressed young virgin who yearns to be part of the gay community but hasn’t the courage to come out to his domineering mother Christine (Elisabeth Wiener), who also just happens to be the country’s very right-wing health minister.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 May 2026
  • Down at the bottom of the hierarchy, or really not ranked at all, is Lucien (Jérémy Gillet), a fey and cosseted twink of privilege who longs to meet Jim but is kept at home, safely away from anything gay, by his domineering mother.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Goldman later cited a Manhattan federal district judge's late May ruling preventing ICE from arresting people attending immigration court during routine, mandatory check-ins.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • Heading into OTAs and mandatory minicamp later this month, here are five position battles to keep an eye on and see how the coaching staff divvies up snap count.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Food Processor quickly chops, slices, and shreds a wide array of ingredients for unlimited culinary creations, while the Coffee & Spice Grinder efficiently grinds coffee beans, spices, and herbs for superior flavor and potency.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
  • And that’s a result of of there being a touch of a commercial food emulsifier in the drink called xantham gum, which holds the ice and liquid together for superior consistency.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Silver’s background played an instrumental role in the NBA building a credible and authoritative case to expel Ballmer’s predecessor, Donald Sterling, as Clippers owner after Sterling’s racist comments led to NBA players threatening a boycott and sponsors cutting ties with the Clippers.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 June 2026
  • Read the authoritative profile of how Wilson has worked to make Homer modern.
    Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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