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as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude she had such a peremptory approach to running the club that people started to avoid her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Friday was the day that attorneys for the prosecution and defense would further question the 43 men and women from the jury pool, whittling that group down to 12 jurors and six alternates by exercising their peremptory strikes. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 Nineteen potential jurors who were questioned Monday are expected to be considered for the panel in the peremptory strike phase, when attorneys for both sides can opt to strike a prospective juror for almost any reason. Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 5 May 2025 The jury of five men and seven women, as well as two alternates, was finalized shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday following the questioning of 45 potential jurors and for-cause and peremptory strikes from both sides. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Officials subjected to peremptory orders gradually realized that ignoring them carried little penalty. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peremptory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peremptory
Adjective
  • While Western democracies debate environmental reviews and grid reliability, authoritarian systems can rapidly direct energy flows to computing infrastructure.
    Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • North Korea is under sanctions from the United States — as well as the United Nations and several other countries — largely in response to the isolated authoritarian state's weapons programs.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • For example, Department of Education regulators are tasked with determining what subjects private institutions are teaching and if their curriculum adheres to compulsory education standards.
    Adina Mermelstein Konikoff, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
  • Written as the compulsory number for the middle school division of the 92nd NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition, the song launched with 26,388 downloads to hit No. 1 for metric, while coming in at No. 16 for streaming, No. 15 for video, and No. 56 for radio.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • As the day goes on, Jim goes from a caricature of an arrogant male director to an oddly compelling picture of a pathetic man, moved by spite toward his ex-wife, Anita.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
  • Actor Tyler Hilton played Chris Keller, a charming but arrogant musician, on four seasons of the teen soap.
    Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are no longer arbitrary divisions in which people say that different functions aren’t their job or concern.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Marylanders deserve a civil justice system that recognizes the full scope of human suffering and empowers citizen juries to render verdicts based on evidence rather than arbitrary limitations.
    Bruce M. Plaxen, Baltimore Sun, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Louise Fletcher portrays the domineering head nurse Ratched.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2025
  • But Agnes can’t stop barking orders, leaving the household staff at a loss over who to listen to — their domineering former boss or the woman signing their paychecks.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • So why haven’t more cities made curbside composting easier, or even mandatory? Curbside Composting Is Growing, But Access Lags California and Vermont are the only two states that currently mandate some form of household curbside composting access; Washington state’s law becomes effective in 2030.
    Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Pakistan now faces a mandatory review — a final phase requiring endorsement from key FATF members.
    Jack Rosen, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Chicago Cubs have been passed up by the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League Central lead, and that's due to the Brewers' superior pitching staff.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • As a collective, HQ Portfolio stocks provided superior returns with lower risk compared to the benchmark index; a smoother journey, as evidenced in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
    Steve Inskeep, NPR, 14 July 2025
  • As mild-mannered Clark Kent and his powerful alter ego, who'd regularly save his pals Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, Reeves brought likability, honesty and an authoritative streak to the role that changed his life. 1.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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