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as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude an imperious movie star who thinks she's some sort of goddess

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word imperious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperious are domineering, imperative, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When would domineering be a good substitute for imperious?

The synonyms domineering and imperious are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 imperious?

While the synonyms imperative and imperious are close in meaning, 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 masterful take the place of imperious?

The words masterful and imperious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 imperious?

The words peremptory and imperious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of imperious 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 Wilson, a former university president with an imperious air, returned from Europe a hero. Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2025 Image Image Rival politicians were quick to call him a traitor and there is a contingent of Greenlandic politicians who are wary of Mr. Trump, seeing him as imperious and unpredictable. Jeffrey Gettleman, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Llewellyn’s starting point for the makeup design was initial illustrations by Phillips and Reed’s color choices in order to do something with the makeup that drew more focus to Yeoh’s imperious performance, but always in complementary colors. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imperious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperious
Adjective
  • Other writers and artists have also begun to mine this era for clues to China’s current authoritarian malaise.
    Ian Johnson, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Since taking office just a few weeks ago, President Trump has rapidly depleted the reservoir of America’s soft power with an authoritarian bent and astonishing speed.
    Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In a world where deal flow is crucial, being labeled as an arrogant VC results in missing out on prime opportunities.
    David Nour, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The arrogant anti-union stance did not start with the current CEO; even the legendary Studs Terkel was slapped down by WFMT management for his earlier support of an effort to unionize in 1990.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • What follows is a twisted examination of motherhood and the arbitrary expectations of adulthood.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This is less sound economic policymaking than the arbitrary dispersal of favors.
    David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Seahawks have an urgent need along the interior offensive line, and Schneider has spent most of the offseason acknowledging that issue — and explaining his reasoning for the lack of big-time moves.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • In the nineteen-sixties and seventies, the Vietnam War was a matter of urgent concern in politics and scholarship alike.
    Nikil Saval, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • All the while, his domineering mother Bunny (played by the late Frances Sternhagen) is determined to stay the number one woman in her son's life.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Since then, he’s portrayed a colorful collection of characters, from a domineering theater owner in Shakespeare in Love to Pirates of the Caribbean’s villain turned hero, Captain Hector Barbossa.
    airmail.news, airmail.news, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In some instances, yes, according to one study which looked at the recommendations from a chatbot compared to those of doctors assessing acute respiratory, urinary, vaginal, eye or dental symptoms.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Most studies list nausea and vomiting as symptoms, while others cite acute abdominal pain as well.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Leadership is often associated with grand speeches, authoritative presence and a commanding voice.
    Mohammad Bahareth, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • There are lots of ways to be an authoritative parent, which can leave moms and dads (but mostly moms) feeling rudderless.
    Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Venezuela’s autocratic demagogue held a 2007 referendum to re-write the Constitution.
    Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Venezuelans have been living under the autocratic regime of Nicolás Maduro for more than a decade amid runaway inflation, worsening poverty and widespread political persecution, according to the Washington Office on Latin America., a progressive think tank in Washington, D.C.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imperious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperious. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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