domineer

verb

dom·​i·​neer ˌdä-mə-ˈnir How to pronounce domineer (audio)
domineered; domineering; domineers
Synonyms of domineernext

intransitive verb

: to exercise arbitrary or overbearing control

transitive verb

: to tyrannize over

Examples of domineer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Standing next to her is Lara, the biological mother, a domineering woman dressed in expensive designer clothes. — Jennifer Wilson, The New Republic, 8 May 2023 Both Houzz and the NKBA are seeing wood coming in close second to (if not surpassing) the once-domineering white vanities. — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2023 When her father Philip dies, Rachel’s domineering mother, Carol, played by Ormond (see first look image), driven by the belief that Philip’s lifeless body will revive itself, forces her daughter to live with the corpse. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 June 2023 Prunella Scales, the British actress who became a household name playing the long-suffering and domineering Sybil Fawlty on the Britcom Fawlty Towers, has died. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for domineer

Word History

Etymology

Dutch domineren, from French dominer, from Latin dominari

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of domineer was in 1591

Rhymes for domineer

See All Rhymes for domineer

Browse Nearby Words

Domine, dirige nos
domineer
domineering
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Domineer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domineer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

domineer

verb
dom·​i·​neer ˌdäm-ə-ˈni(ə)r How to pronounce domineer (audio)
: to rule or behave in a bossy way
domineering adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on domineer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for domineer

Nglish: Translation of domineer for Spanish Speakers

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