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
  • How the inextricable combinations of lyrical narratives and distortion-addled arrangements served as salient commentaries on authoritarian power and artificial intelligence, as well as science denialism, knee-bending capitulation and unrestrained wealth.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Critics have called it an unnecessary authoritarian takeover of the District, which has seen its crime statistics fall in recent years.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In contrast, Sanders’ American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act is compulsory, mandating a 50% equity transfer, with the government gaining voting shares, board representation, and revenues directed toward cash payments and public goods.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 9 June 2026
  • Military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women in Israel.
    Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Washington State’s beauty is almost arrogant in its expansiveness.
    C Pam Zhang, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
  • The question, then, is why so many people would still say that England fans have this arrogant expectation about the quality of their own team?
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • The anniversary feels arbitrary to Tran, a math teacher.
    Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • Instead, falling gas tax revenues are replaced by a collection of arbitrary fees, sending no clear message to motorists.
    George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Galitzine is taking on the iconic role of Adam Glenn, an exiled alien on Earth who learns that the domineering villain Skeletor is terrorizing his home world of Eternia.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • Haverill is introduced in season 1 as a domineering borough commander who antagonizes Det.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • Every match, in every stadium, will pause twice—midway through each half—for a mandatory three-minute hydration break, regardless of weather or temperature.
    Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • The Chiefs finished mandatory minicamp on Thursday with Josh Simmons at left tackle, and Jaylon Moore, Esa Pole and Kahlil Benson getting first-team snaps at right tackle.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • And when daily wear and tear was simulated – through continuous electric-toothbrush abrasion equivalent to about a year of brushing, as well as chewing and grinding – the teeth actually had superior resistance to wear, fracture and acid attack compared with natural enamel.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Instead of settling for 3-pointers, Boozer took the ball hard to the basket in the second half while a Duke team with obviously superior talent to Texas got untracked.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Every Tuesday, this new newsletter delivers 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.
    Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 9 June 2026
  • The annual ranking, long considered one of the restaurant industry's most authoritative lists, is curated by an independent academy of 300 culinary experts and honors destinations across North America that are pushing culinary boundaries while delivering exceptional dining experiences.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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