DOMINEERING Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

domineering 1 of 2

adjective

ˌdä-mə-ˈnir-iŋ

Definition of domineering next

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of domineering

Adjective

Kenneth Kimes Troubled childhood: As a young man, Kimes went on a deadly crime spree with his domineering mother. —

Daniel Wine, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024 Trump had a domineering, workaholic father who split the world into two groups: killers and losers. —

Alex Thompson, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 There are blessedly few visual tics in this biopic of painter Margaret Keane (Amy Adams) and her domineering husband Walter (Christoph Waltz), who for years took credit for her work. —

Will Leitch, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2024 But soon enough, all three have arrived at the Morrow estate in rural Nebraska, where the aftereffects of Carlyle’s cruel, domineering parenting still echo. —

Emily C. Hughes, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for domineering

Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering

Adjective

If the impeachment is confirmed by the Constitutional Court, Yoon will become the fourth South Korean president — out of eight total — to be jailed or ousted since the nation democratized in 1987 after decades of authoritarian rule.

Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, Georgia’s relations with the EU have deteriorated sharply in recent months as Brussels has alleged that the government had resorted to authoritarian measures and adopted pro-Russian stances.

Christian Edwards, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024