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
  • By definition, regime change is systemic change – something that has yet to be seen in the Islamic Republic, which remains under the same authoritarian theocracy that has been in place since the Iranian Revolution in 1979.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Stability without democracy is a replicable model that could normalize the management of useful authoritarian governments worldwide.
    Boris Muñoz, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Fittingly, the summit’s resemblance to summer camp fostered a mood of compulsory cheer.
    Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As the sun and Jupiter clash, you’re cosmically protected, but arrogant behavior won’t get a pass.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026
  • For Iran, what counts is resistance, against arrogant and wicked oppressors, chiefly the United States and Israel.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Bulls don’t want Buzelis to get caught up in hitting an arbitrary number on the scale.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The advisory does not specify uniform procedures at the border but warns travelers that electronic data may be accessed and that enforcement can be arbitrary.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In the new version, the dramatic tension comes from the singer’s relationship with his domineering father, Joe Jackson, who doesn’t want his son’s solo career to come at the expense of the Jackson 5, the Motown group that put the family on the map.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Rethinking the Chávez myth True reappraisals of Chávez and his work wouldn’t start until after former Times editor and reporter Miriam Pawel published a 2006 series for this paper that showed the ugly, domineering side of Chávez and the UFW’s decline.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Parking is free, first-come, first served; VIP parking $30 (must be purchased in advance online; VIP parking cost does not include the mandatory car entry fee).
    Holly Andres, Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Several African nations have already pushed through emergency interventions, ranging from direct subsidies to mandatory rationing, to blunt the impact of soaring global energy prices.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This approach combines the superior surface properties of tungsten with the structural and economic advantages of other materials.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Why Office 2024 is superior Office 2024 keeps the core apps—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote—but improves performance from older lifetime licenses and adds practical upgrades.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Baumrind believed parents who were not authoritarian were either authoritative or permissive.
    Kelley King Heyworth, Parents, 5 Apr. 2026
  • These articles add depth to a brand’s digital footprint and act as authoritative signals when AI tools evaluate credibility.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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