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 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 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 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
  • Founded by George Soros after the fall of communism, the university says the authoritarian government of Viktor Orbán forced 90% of its teaching operations out of the country in 2019, leaving behind a stark symbol of how far the nation has moved during the prime minister’s 16-year regime.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, experts say What's branding in business is problematic in governance.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Stripping the rights of states as the primary authority to regulate their education would also limit their oversight of teacher certification, curricula standards and compulsory education.
    Dina Ciotola, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
  • But the trial judge, not the jury, will rule on any compulsory changes for Meta at the trial’s second stage in May.
    Peter Weber, TheWeek, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • To this point, the Heat arguably have been too stubborn, or too arrogant, in belief that the quick fix was just around the corner.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
  • His style is relaxed and confident, not arrogant.
    Tara Klein, SPIN, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The European Union first sanctioned him in 2008, and imposed parallel sanctions in 2022 over the use of live ammunition, arbitrary detention of protesters and journalists, and the violent suppression of demonstrations.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
  • But at the meeting, there was an admission that that number was an arbitrary figure.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Token, pushover human Seth (Gil Ozeri) lives under the thumb of the tiny, domineering dog Brandi (the incomparable Amy Sedaris), a high maintenance diva with a yen for single-use Stanley cups.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
  • After moving at a glacial pace—it’s been 20 years since the original 2006 film—the movie is having its world premiere on Monday evening, reintroducing a select group of New Yorkers to Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, the chicly domineering editor in chief of Runway magazine.
    Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The move would not trigger any mandatory water restrictions yet, but would force all public water systems to launch messaging campaigns to encourage customers to conserve water.
    Drew Kann, AJC.com, 23 Apr. 2026
  • It's used to make changes to the debt limit, changes to mandatory spending or adjustments in revenues.
    Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Since then — indeed, since the Great Recession of 2007-2009 — the private equity sector has been promoting itself as a source of financial returns superior than those of conventional stock portfolios while glossing over cavils such as Buffett’s.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Every shark movie owes a debt to the sacred mother Jaws, but the thriller about bitey creatures spreading carnage and mayhem in bad weather that Thrash most resembles is Alexandre Aja’s superior nail-biter, Crawl.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • We are put in charge of making our own way, through tapestries and tea sets, past ancient jug and contemporary sphinx, without heavy-handed authoritative direction.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
  • This is the version of Banchero the Magic need; not just productive, but authoritative.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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