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 then again, almost everything Trump does is right out of the authoritarian playbook.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2025
  • Any center of liberal and free thought from pop music to Ivy League universities is vulnerable to authoritarian impulses.
    Stephen Collinson, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has issued compulsory evacuation orders for an area around the blaze, with lower evacuation warnings in force for a wider region.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • As China ramps up military and other pressure, Taiwan has also extended compulsory military service to one year from four months, doubled mandatory annual refresher training for reservists to two weeks, and pledged to increase its defense budget to more than 3% of its gross domestic product.
    Janis Mackey Frayer, NBC news, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The exiled poet was criticized for his arrogant attempts to influence British and American foreign policy.
    Graham Robb, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
  • There is something dangerously, provocatively arrogant about his glorified gang leader looks.
    Timothy Crouse, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • State lawmakers can and should repeal the arbitrary two-year rule.
    Sakinah Tillman, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2025
  • Officials have often shaken this number off as arbitrary, but agree military spending needs to surge from the 2 percent benchmark of the last decade, and quickly.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The Chiefs open their three-day mandatory minicamp Tuesday before a monthlong break.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2025
  • Jung Kook’s managing to make his official solo debut and enlist for his mandatory South Korean military service within six months was already a testament to his ability to conquer and succeed quickly.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the screen compares surprisingly well with the Steam Deck OLED, the Steam Deck supports HDR in addition to the superior OLED panel, which the Legion Go S does not.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
  • If quality depth is the standard, the Big 12 is superior to the ACC.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The most authoritative research on the risk to California was conducted in 2015, but little has changed in the past decade.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 8 June 2025
  • In fact, their literature review suggests that many dog owners naturally fall into parenting patterns that largely mirror those of actual parents: permissive, authoritarian or authoritative.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 18 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!