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as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude she had such a peremptory approach to running the club that people started to avoid her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word peremptory distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of peremptory are domineering, imperative, imperious, and masterful. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

When is domineering a more appropriate choice than peremptory?

Although the words domineering and peremptory have much in common, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

Where would imperative be a reasonable alternative to peremptory?

The words imperative and peremptory are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

When might imperious be a better fit than peremptory?

While the synonyms imperious and peremptory are close in meaning, 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 peremptory?

The words masterful and peremptory can be used in similar contexts, but masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

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 peremptory If both sides were allowed an unlimited number of peremptory strikes, impaneling a jury in any trial would prove an impossible task. Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024 The parties are allowed to strike an unlimited number of jurors for cause, while each side is permitted ten peremptory strikes, which are used to excuse jurors for any reason. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2024 After all objections are made — either for cause or via peremptory strike — those who remain are chosen to serve, Hamilton said. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2024 Their fraught reunion happens on Ellis Island, where they are queried by a peremptory immigration official, who communicates in a mixture of English and trombone. Rhoda Feng, Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for peremptory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peremptory
Adjective
  • The authoritarian manosphere is organized around a hierarchy topped by heroic male warriors.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The futuristic worlds that she’s created reflect that, from the dark and dismal cityscapes to the authoritarian prisoner ships run entirely by soulless robots.
    Kyle Wilson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Hybrid and flexible work environments that are built around intentional in-person experiences rather than compulsory presence can drive greater innovation and engagement.
    Solange Charas, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • India, in less than two years, subjected millions of citizens to compulsory sterilization.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Packer, several surefire ways to ensure success start here: Be arrogant!
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In 1254, King Edward I and Queen Eleanor of Castile were married at a very young age, and although Edward had a reputation for being arrogant and quarrelsome, the pair eventually fell deeply in love.
    Gulnaz Khan, AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone who’s ever thrown a pitch or swung a bat knows that the umpire decides in the end — and those decisions have felt arbitrary and highly personal at times.
    Keith O'Brien, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Misinformation surrounding the new law has led to a resurgence of the narrative that white South Africans—especially farmers—are facing an orchestrated campaign of genocide through arbitrary land grabs.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Here's Your Zodiac Love Compatibility, Based on Your Sign Sagittarius: Rachel Chu from Crazy Rich Asians To maintain her relationship, Rachel takes on a fight with her boyfriend’s domineering mother Eleanor.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • He’s had something of a habit of playing domineering fathers, doing so on Ugly Betty (2006–2007) and as Charles Widmore on Lost (2006–2010).
    Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The bill instructs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid, to slash $880 billion in mandatory spending.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Thankfully the email and password combo that used to drive the threat is becoming less dangerous, as 2FA and soon passkeys become mandatory.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The superior rooms offer simplicity and comfort, as well as Cape Panwa views.
    Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Miami’s Cam Ward, a friend of Sanders’, possesses superior physical skills.
    Troy Renck, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • LLMs don’t use E-E-A-T the same way as search engines, but authoritative sources still shape their responses.
    Nick Brown, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • His timely break into a skating lane and McTavish’s authoritative pass synergized perfectly to turn a rush without numbers into a go-ahead goal, Strome’s ninth.
    Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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