ultimatum
noun
ul·ti·ma·tum
ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-təm 
-ˈmä-
-ˈmä-
plural ultimatums or ultimata
ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-tə
-ˈmä-
: a final proposition, condition, or demand
especially
: one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct action
Examples of ultimatum in a Sentence
She was given an ultimatum—work harder or lose her job.
issued the ultimatum that the project be finished by the following week, or it would be terminated
Recent Examples on the Web
Trump also issued a new 10-day ultimatum to Russia: Agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine or face new sanctions.
—
Benzinga, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
But Russia’s leaders have brushed aside the president’s ultimatum.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 1 Aug. 2025
Ukrainian officials, along with the international community, will closely monitor the U.S. response should Russia fail to meet the new ultimatum.
—Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ultimatum
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Benzinga, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
But Russia’s leaders have brushed aside the president’s ultimatum.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 1 Aug. 2025
Ukrainian officials, along with the international community, will closely monitor the U.S. response should Russia fail to meet the new ultimatum.
—Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ultimatum
Cite this Entry
“Ultimatum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultimatum. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ultimatum
noun
ul·ti·ma·tum
ˌəl-tə-ˈmāt-əm
-ˈmät-
-ˈmät-
plural ultimatums or ultimata
-ə
: a demand that if rejected will bring about an end of peaceful talks and could lead to forceful action
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