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 Whether romantic, professional or creative, be willing to communicate your standards without turning the conversation into an ultimatum. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Lobby groups on May 21 issued a 40-day ultimatum to the government to act or face nationwide protests. — ABC News, 1 June 2026 When layabout postman Jesper gets assigned to the frozen town of Smeerensburg with an ultimatum to process 6,000 letters, a reclusive toymaker might be his only hope. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026 To Brockman, Musk’s ultimatum seemed like the best way to get out from under Musk, his journals showed. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ultimatum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ultimatum
  1. demand
  2. request
  3. requirement
Noun
  • The oil crisis brought on by the conflict in Iran has also boosted demand for China’s clean energy technology such as batteries and electric vehicles, as major energy importers have sought ways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Jordan Cvetanovski, chairman and chief investment officer at Pella Funds, said demand for AI infrastructure remains strong as companies race to build computing capacity, but signs of speculative excess are beginning to emerge.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of demand
Noun
  • Ericson said the request to further explore Midland came from several sources.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Spokespersons for Paxton’s campaign and office and the Texas Tech system did not immediately return requests for comment.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • The extradition process requires a hearing before a US judge to determine whether legal requirements are met, and the brothers have the option to mount legal challenges.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • That means ensuring ballot questions are accurately summarized, comply with applicable legal standards, and satisfy constitutional requirements before they are certified.
    — Robert Cordy, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
Definition of requirement

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Cite this Entry

“Ultimatum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ultimatum. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ultimatum

Nglish: Translation of ultimatum for Spanish Speakers

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