Synonyms of domineering

domineering 1 of 2

adjective

ˌdä-mə-ˈnir-iŋ 

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around

the younger children in the family were controlled by a domineering older sister

Synonyms & Similar Words

• authoritarian
• arrogant
• overbearing
• bossy
• aggressive
• autocratic
• authoritative
• tyrannical
• commanding
• dictatorial
• despotic
• tyrannic
• proud
• imperious
• controlling
• tyrannous
• masterful
• peremptory
• stern
• autocratical
• haughty
• important
• uppity
• supercilious
• superior
• pretentious
• imperial
• regimental
• disdainful
• high-and-mighty
• assertive
• assumptive
• presumptuous
• overweening
• directorial
• arbitrary
• narcissistic
• huffy
• lordly
• conceited
• high-handed
• high-hat
• uppish
• dictating
• magisterial
• all-powerful
• self-asserting
• omnipotent
• lofty
• pompous
• hifalutin
• self-assertive
• vain
• highfalutin
• fastuous
• imperative
• toplofty
• almighty
• toploftical
• presuming
• firm

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• humble
• meek
• modest
• unassuming
• obedient
• docile
• amenable
• passive
• tractable
• submissive
• indecisive
• compliant
• irresolute
• yielding
• acquiescent
• resigned

domineering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of domineer

as in dominating

Related Words

• dominating
• dictating
• oppressing
• tyrannizing
• mastering
• reigning (over)
• managing
• regulating
• supervising
• administering
• micromanaging
• superintending
• subjugating
• conquering
• overseeing
• subduing
• lording (it over)
• controlling
• leading
• governing
• ruling
• conducting
• directing
• swaying
• presiding (over)
• heading
• commanding
• bossing
• captaining

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

Recent Examples of domineering

Verb

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

My Mom Died is a heartbreaking and funny recounting of Jennette McCurdy’s struggles as a former child actor while dealing with her overbearing, domineering mother. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 July 2025

The end of season 2 turned the tables on the meek Ada and domineering Agnes when Agnes lost her fortune thanks to her son Oscar (Blake Ritson) trusting the wrong people. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 June 2025