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

Hoover’s male characters tend to be domineering, in a way that is often supposed to be part of their appeal. —

Constance Grady, Vox, 8 Aug. 2024 The Kremlin’s sense that BRICS can be a refuge from the domineering hegemony of the United States has only grown more pronounced since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. —

Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 24 Sep. 2024 Popular on Variety The point, instead, is building a playground expansive enough to contain Hahn’s shamelessly selfish, domineering Agatha, a protagonist unburdened by moral obligations or so-large-they’re-meaningless stakes like saving the world. —

Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024 Benoît Magimel also features in the cast as a ruthless plantation owner, alongside Camille Cottin, in a rare baddie role as domineering slave catcher Madame La Victoire. —

Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for domineering

Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering

Adjective

In our age of brutal wars, authoritarian politics, cultures of contempt, and technology that promises to replace us with machines, what is left of the idea of the human being?

George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Autocratic The autocratic style is also known as authoritarian leadership.

Jason Miller, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024