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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
  • The interim government, formed shortly afterward under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was widely hailed as a new chapter for Bangladesh: a chance to repair years of authoritarian rule, enforced disappearances, corruption and human rights abuses.
    Shamim Chowdhury, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025
  • For any authoritarian regime, political succession is a moment of peril, and for all its strengths, the CCP is no exception.
    TYLER JOST, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Hopkins clinic fit squarely into the desire of these movements to offer Americans alternatives to the rigid gender roles and compulsory heterosexuality of the Cold War era.
    Time, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The violent clashes in the state’s megacity Mumbai earlier this month were sparked by the regional government’s controversial decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in public primary schools.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Depicting Americans as arrogant, loud, boorish and demeaning of other cultures, the term has stuck and is still mentioned 60-plus years later.
    Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The most radical overhaul of the tax code in our state’s history would require voter approval in November 2026, and that starts by portraying local governments as cartoonishly arrogant, bloated and unaccountable.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • In some ways, are triple doubles an arbitrary achievement?
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Lalami clearly needed a way to get Sara home to end the book, and springing her in this way is consistent with the arbitrary nature of her incarceration and the mercurial behavior of her keepers.
    Book Marks August 7, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 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
  • Singaporeans' take-home pay is lower than their full salary because of mandatory Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
  • If the lump sum payout is chosen, the winnings will first drop to $196.7 million after a mandatory federal withholding of 24% is applied.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Pura 80 Ultra features a large 1-inch sensor, variable aperture, and dual-periscope zoom system, delivering superior image quality.
    Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • There’s a reason for that; Canadian arenas have superior sightlines for cameras that deliver those moving images through the videoscope.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The decision means that in the authoritative opinion of the international legal community, all countries are under an obligation to contribute to the efforts to reduce global greenhouse emissions.
    Daimeon Shanks-Dumont, The Conversation, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Whether creating targeted blog posts, authoritative corporate content, persuasive e-commerce descriptions, or detailed educational resources, precise prompts enhance engagement, SEO performance, and monetization potential.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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