domineering 1 of 2

adjective

ˌdä-mə-ˈnir-iŋ How to pronounce domineering (audio)
Definition of domineeringnext
as in authoritarian
fond of ordering people around the younger children in the family were controlled by a domineering older sister

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

domineering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of domineer
as in dominating

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word domineering distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of domineering are imperative, imperious, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When could imperative be used to replace domineering?

In some situations, the words imperative and domineering are roughly equivalent. However, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

In what contexts can imperious take the place of domineering?

The meanings of imperious and domineering largely overlap; however, 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 domineering?

While the synonyms masterful and domineering are close in meaning, masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of domineering?

The synonyms peremptory and domineering are sometimes interchangeable, but peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

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 domineering
Adjective
Since then, he’s portrayed a colorful collection of characters, from a domineering theater owner in Shakespeare in Love to Pirates of the Caribbean’s villain turned hero, Captain Hector Barbossa. —airmail.news, 8 Mar. 2025 Here's Your Zodiac Love Compatibility, Based on Your Sign Sagittarius: Rachel Chu from Crazy Rich Asians To maintain her relationship, Rachel takes on a fight with her boyfriend’s domineering mother Eleanor. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025 He’s had something of a habit of playing domineering fathers, doing so on Ugly Betty (2006–2007) and as Charles Widmore on Lost (2006–2010). —Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2025 The stress of being a loyal husband and father while toiling tirelessly at Spacely Space Sprockets – headed by a domineering man with a Napoleon complex – seems to float away as the zooming saucer-like aero cars with large bubble roofs leave behind popcorn-like residue from fuel pellets and radium. —Natasha Gural, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for domineering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering
  1. authoritarian
  2. dominating
  3. arrogant
  4. overbearing
  5. bossy
Adjective
  • Other writers and artists have also begun to mine this era for clues to China’s current authoritarian malaise.
    — Ian Johnson, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Since taking office just a few weeks ago, President Trump has rapidly depleted the reservoir of America’s soft power with an authoritarian bent and astonishing speed.
    — Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of authoritarian
Verb
  • Vancouver, meanwhile, fell short against the New York Rangers, despite thoroughly dominating play and out-chancing the struggling Rangers by a brutally lopsided margin.
    — Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Outside cash is dominating the special election for a new county supervisor in the South Bay.
    — Andrew Keatts, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of dominating
Adjective
  • Ava Daniels is a young comedy writer who is unable to find work due to an insensitive tweet and her reputation for being self-centered and arrogant.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • And the villains, of course, exuding every nastily relatable emotion; the stepmothers and sorceresses are vain, arrogant, dismissive, lonely, rude, and outrageous.
    — Darren Franich, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • Parsons rose to A-list status as eccentric, overbearing genius Sheldon Cooper and won four Emmys for the role.
    — Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • All the business with Ashley’s off-stage life feels ripped from a standard contentious relationship between loose cannon celebrity and overbearing manager.
    — Steve Greene, IndieWire, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of overbearing
Adjective
  • As April unfolds, the full moon in Libra (April 12) shines a light on your bossy 10th house of career, authority and reputation in the world.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • But too often, the fear of being seen as bossy, rude, or confrontational holds a lot of us back from speaking up.
    — Jenna Ryu, SELF, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of bossy

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Cite this Entry

“Domineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/domineering. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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