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
The rescue explained that the husband never wanted to give up the dog, but his wife’s ultimatum left him no choice.
—
Ashley Vega, People.com, 13 June 2025
Trump claimed the Israeli attack was launched after Tehran ignored a 60-day ultimatum set by him to reach a deal to limit its nuclear program, the first time such a deadline has been mentioned.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
May 28, 2025 The controversy comes after President Donald Trump’s Department of Education gave universities an ultimatum in February to eliminate diversity initiatives or risk losing federal funding.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2025
Consider this moment an invitation to deeper understanding, not an ultimatum.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ultimatum
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Ashley Vega, People.com, 13 June 2025
Trump claimed the Israeli attack was launched after Tehran ignored a 60-day ultimatum set by him to reach a deal to limit its nuclear program, the first time such a deadline has been mentioned.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
May 28, 2025 The controversy comes after President Donald Trump’s Department of Education gave universities an ultimatum in February to eliminate diversity initiatives or risk losing federal funding.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2025
Consider this moment an invitation to deeper understanding, not an ultimatum.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 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 19 Jun. 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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