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
  • The show, which featured a sizzling performance by Walton Goggins, as an authoritarian vigilante, was an avant-garde breakthrough for television.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Given the authoritarian nature of the government and its control of the media, the full, brutal extent of these crackdowns are never seen by those inside the country, much less by foreigners.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Until recently both were compulsory and couldn’t be removed.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
  • Alito asked whether that child, born to an Iranian citizen, and therefore also an Iranian citizen, was still subject to Iran’s law requiring compulsory military service.
    Michael Szalma, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Not even the pork choppers were as arrogant and scornful of voting rights as the current mob.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
  • Of course, David went on to build one of the most illustrious careers in television with characters who are often arrogant, petty and unlikable by traditional media standards.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • According to Sánchez Blanco, González López oversaw the machinery that allowed arbitrary arrests, torture and the defiance of judicial release orders to occur.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
  • The day itself may be arbitrary, but the sentiment behind it is not.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • After being expelled from Brown University for sneaking a coed into his room, Turner came to Atlanta to work as an account executive for his domineering father’s billboard company, Turner Advertising.
    David Bauder, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
  • After being expelled from Brown University, Turner came to Atlanta to work for his domineering father’s billboard company, Turner Advertising.
    David Bauder, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The new ranch comes with a coffee-drinking porch (mandatory), but it is weathered, rustic and needs work.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • In California, babies between 15 days and 6 months can only work for 20 minutes at a time and spend two hours on set per day; also mandatory is a nurse, a guardian and a studio teacher, who ensures the baby’s wellbeing is looked after.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • But his team distinguished themselves through superior organisation with and without the ball, exploiting space to play to the specific strengths of their personnel.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • As a result, more American teenagers now receive superior coaching and minutes earlier in their careers.
    Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Every Tuesday, this new newsletter will deliver clear-eyed, authoritative intelligence on the deals, decisions, policies, and power shifts shaping one of the world’s most consequential regions, written for the people who need to act on it.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 13 May 2026
  • Dick Cable was known for his booming, authoritative voice.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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