domineering 1 of 2

domineering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of domineer

Synonym Chooser

How is the word domineering distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of domineering are imperative, imperious, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When could imperative be used to replace domineering?

In some situations, the words imperative and domineering are roughly equivalent. However, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

In what contexts can imperious take the place of domineering?

The meanings of imperious and domineering largely overlap; however, 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 domineering?

While the synonyms masterful and domineering are close in meaning, masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of domineering?

The synonyms peremptory and domineering are sometimes interchangeable, but peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

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 domineering
Adjective
At times, the man, Cassidy, seems like a stereotypical philandering suburban husband—narcissistic, domineering, but convinced of his own good intentions. Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025 Carrie is described as a reimagining of the story of misfit high-schooler Carrie White, who has spent her life in seclusion with her domineering mother. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 Perhaps most frustrating to Mainers: the domineering influence of Boston in the state’s government. Made By History, Time, 7 Apr. 2025 McNamara’s domineering style quickly unified the services against him. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for domineering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering
Adjective
  • His parents were Italian immigrants who fled Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime, and his grandmother Rosa Margherita Vassallo di Bergoglio was active in Catholic Action, formed by Italian bishops who wanted to maintain their independence from Mussolini’s authoritarian rule.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been called an authoritarian, and previous reports have noted restrictions to civil liberties.
    Graham Smith, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Outside cash is dominating the special election for a new county supervisor in the South Bay.
    Andrew Keatts, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Vancouver, meanwhile, fell short against the New York Rangers, despite thoroughly dominating play and out-chancing the struggling Rangers by a brutally lopsided margin.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That doesn’t portray a hero, but rather someone so arrogant as to invent his own law and appoint himself its executioner.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Fed Up in Illinois Dear Fed Up: Is Edie mean, arrogant, disobedient and rude in the presence of her parents, or has she been invited to spend time with your girls separately?
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Parsons rose to A-list status as eccentric, overbearing genius Sheldon Cooper and won four Emmys for the role.
    Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • All the business with Ashley’s off-stage life feels ripped from a standard contentious relationship between loose cannon celebrity and overbearing manager.
    Steve Greene, IndieWire, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As April unfolds, the full moon in Libra (April 12) shines a light on your bossy 10th house of career, authority and reputation in the world.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • But too often, the fear of being seen as bossy, rude, or confrontational holds a lot of us back from speaking up.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 5 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Domineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/domineering. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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