imperious

adjective

im·​pe·​ri·​ous im-ˈpir-ē-əs How to pronounce imperious (audio)
1
a
: marked by arrogant assurance : domineering
b
: befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : commanding, dominant
an imperious manner
2
: intensely compelling : urgent
the imperious problems of the new ageJ. F. Kennedy
imperiously adverb
imperiousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for imperious

masterful, domineering, imperious, peremptory, imperative mean tending to impose one's will on others.

masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

Examples of imperious in a Sentence

an imperious little boy who liked to tell the other scouts what to do an imperious movie star who thinks she's some sort of goddess
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Also amusing is Fiona Glascott as Lady Violet, an old acquaintance of Sherlock’s who specializes officially in schooling young ladies like Clara to join British high society and unofficially in casting her imperious judgment everywhere. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025 As Kimberly Shaw, a mild-mannered resident doctor of Wilshire Memorial Hospital, Cross shared plenty of scenes with Wagner, who shows up in the third season as Peter Burns, the hospital's imperious chief of staff. EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025 And Palace, who are in imperious away form, will feel optimistic about their chances to at least progress to Wembley. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 But against Spain, the imperious combination that has been lacking for Wiegman’s side over the past 12 months returned. Michael Cox, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imperious

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin imperiōsus "exercising authority, domineering," from imperium "authority over family members and slaves exercised by the head of a household, supreme administrative authority, dominion" + -ōsus -ous — more at empire

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of imperious was in 1529

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imperious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperious. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

imperious

adjective
im·​pe·​ri·​ous im-ˈpir-ē-əs How to pronounce imperious (audio)
1
: behaving like someone who is a supreme ruler
2
: imperative entry 1 sense 2, urgent
the imperious problems of a new age
imperiously adverb
imperiousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on imperious

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