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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of domineering

Adjective

With Dodgers The changes have had a dramatic impact on his body, which has always been a domineering presence on the mound. —

Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 The only thing left to contend with is her domineering mother, the formidable 90-year-old Lenore Simmons Krackenberry, who is obsessed with family lineage and Southern heritage. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2025 Smith is fantastic and terrifying as Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden, the stentorian nurse and housekeeper whose domineering overcautiousness feeds into all the self-pitying inclinations of her poor weakling charge Colin Craven. —

Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024 The Attitude Era succeeded on the backs of all-time greats Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, with Vince McMahon a domineering force both behind the scenes and on camera. —

Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for domineering

Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering

Adjective

Serbia’s authoritarian leader should be riding high, lifted by economic growth that is four times the European average, falling unemployment and steadily rising wages.

— Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Amid the authoritarian typhoon of Donald Trump’s first month in office, the Democratic Party is attempting to position itself as the front line of anti-MAGA resistance.

— Samantha Riedel, Them, 7 Feb. 2025