ultimatum

noun

ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-təm How to pronounce ultimatum (audio)
Definition of ultimatumnext
as in demand
something that someone insists upon having issued the ultimatum that the project be finished by the following week, or it would be terminated

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ultimatum In a 2009 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Downey’s wife, Susan Downey, recalled giving him an ultimatum to get sober in 2003. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026 But up next, Iran’s latest move in the Strait of Hormuz and the ultimatum that the Iranians just delivered to the United States. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 The county is currently without an assessor, after Interim County Executive Phil LeVota posed a public ultimatum to former Assessor Gail McCann Beatty in November; resign within 24 hours or face removal from office. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 Blake gave Hayley the ultimatum after a year and a half of dating. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ultimatum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ultimatum
  1. demand
  2. request
  3. requirement
Noun
  • Dong Lijuan, chief statistician at NBS, attributed the rebound in inflation to volatile global commodity prices, seasonal food price gains, and rising demand in high-tech industries, according to a statement accompanying the release.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • As the first generation of entrepreneurs adapts to the demands of international business, these companies are moving beyond simply selling products abroad and starting to behave like true multinationals.
    — Danny Vincent, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of demand
Noun
  • The city did not immediately respond to ABC News' request on potential toxins first responders were exposed to in the aftermath or allegations by agencies at the time that the air was safe.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Biggs has put out an informal request on social media asking county residents to weigh in on the idea.
    — Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • This can address key requirements of the world’s largest cruise vessels.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Any player in the Italian top flight who has a heart condition or has undergone related surgery must pass Serie A’s sporting fitness requirements before returning to play.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of requirement

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ultimatum
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Cite this Entry

“Ultimatum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ultimatum. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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