1
2
3
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

4

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 Nineteen potential jurors who were questioned Monday are expected to be considered for the panel in the peremptory strike phase, when attorneys for both sides can opt to strike a prospective juror for almost any reason. Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 5 May 2025 The jury of five men and seven women, as well as two alternates, was finalized shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday following the questioning of 45 potential jurors and for-cause and peremptory strikes from both sides. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Officials subjected to peremptory orders gradually realized that ignoring them carried little penalty. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 Officials subjected to peremptory orders gradually realized that ignoring them carried little penalty. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peremptory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peremptory
Adjective
  • But this one rush job, HB 1205, was especially dear to the governor’s authoritarian heart.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
  • Panahi’s film, his first since being released from prison in 2023, is a direct assault on Iran’s authoritarian regime.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Zverev had given his window for that day in the morning and so was put out by being told that the test was compulsory.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Love in the Spectrum isn’t exactly free-range dating — dates are set up by the show, followed up on (no fear of ghosting), and dissected by participants — but there is no compulsory finish line.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Richard was known for being outspoken, if not arrogant, consistently rubbing his Tagi tribe the wrong way and offending some of them with his blatant display of nudity on the island.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 May 2025
  • Multiple people described him to me as unpopular and arrogant.
    Amanda Chicago Lewis, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Businesses now live in fear of retroactive rulings, arbitrary penalties and endless audits.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The risks include wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.
    Nick Butler, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Randall is a rebellious new patient at a mental institution who does battle with Louise Fletcher’s domineering head nurse Mildred Ratched.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 May 2025
  • The trial had revealed Blue Cross’ domineering behavior.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Apart from those violations, the CPSC says the swings also fail to meet mandatory warning requirements required to inform parents of the risks of death or serious injury to infants.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • That will build toward a mandatory minicamp on June 17-18 before the team breaks until the start of training camp in late July.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks delivered superior returns with lower risk compared to the benchmark index, creating less of a turbulent experience as reflected in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • The Pacers, behind an unrelenting uptempo attack and superior depth, have won the third and fourth quarters in both games, as well as overtime in Game 1.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sharing these private details will be challenging, since authoritative Saturn and confusing Neptune will corner the sun over the next few days.
    Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025
  • One 2022 study found that children raised with an authoritative parenting style were more likely to achieve academically.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 22 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on peremptory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!