IMPERIOUS Synonyms: 249 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'imperious' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperious are domineering , imperative , masterful , and peremptory . While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance. // an imperious executive used to getting his own way

Q: When would 'domineering' be a good substitute for 'imperious'?

The synonyms domineering and imperious are sometimes interchangeable, but domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will. // children controlled by domineering parents

Q: When could 'imperative' be used to replace 'imperious'?

While the synonyms imperative and imperious are close in meaning, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate. // an imperative appeal for assistance

Q: In what contexts can 'masterful' take the place of 'imperious'?

The words masterful and imperious can be used in similar contexts, but masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively. // her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

Q: When is it sensible to use 'peremptory' instead of 'imperious'?

The words peremptory and imperious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent. // given a peremptory dismissal

imperious

adjective

im-ˈpir-ē-əs

Definition of imperious next

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around an imperious little boy who liked to tell the other scouts what to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude an imperious movie star who thinks she's some sort of goddess

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arbitrary

having or showing a tendency to force one's will on others without any regard to fairness or necessity an office administrator with an imperious manner that really grates on people

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in urgent

needing immediate attention as war casualties mounted, the need for trained nurses became imperious

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word imperious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperious are domineering, imperative, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When would domineering be a good substitute for imperious?

The synonyms domineering and imperious are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 imperious?

While the synonyms imperative and imperious are close in meaning, 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 masterful take the place of imperious?

The words masterful and imperious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 imperious?

The words peremptory and imperious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

Examples 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 imperious Van Dijk was largely imperious for Liverpool last season, embracing the captaincy role he was given by Jurgen Klopp in the summer, delivering standout performances at big moments — none more than his match-winning turn in the Carabao Cup final. —

Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 1 July 2024 The oil is beautifully fragranced with jasmine, mandarin, and imperious amber and is also highly nourishing due to its formulation—containing sesame, apricot, and coconut oils. —

Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024 Arsenal saw two of their talismanic players — Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard — produce imperious performances at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. —

Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 Black, no slouch at imperious behavior, persuaded Hollinger’s board to make the purchase for him. —

Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imperious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperious

Adjective

Yoon’s order faced fierce backlash from the public and lawmakers across the political spectrum, reviving painful memories of the country’s authoritarian past.

— Gawon Bae, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
Yes, dollars circulated in authoritarian, murderous Syria because market goods did.

— John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025