Definition of peremptorynext
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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 The lawyers accused prosecutors of using seven of their nine peremptory strikes to remove Black jurors from the prospective panel before the final jury was selected. Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025 The defense challenged some of the government’s peremptory strikes over suggestions of racial bias. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 13 May 2025 The selection process included the use of peremptory strikes by both the prosecution and defense, allowing each side to dismiss certain jurors without giving a reason. Amanda Castro joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025 Friday was the day that attorneys for the prosecution and defense would further question the 43 men and women from the jury pool, whittling that group down to 12 jurors and six alternates by exercising their peremptory strikes. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for peremptory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peremptory
Adjective
  • Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s Master, tracing the rise of a teacher drawn into local politics in Bangladesh and moving from idealism to authoritarian impulses, won the Big Screen Competition.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026
  • What is unique in this moment is how aggressively one political party is leveraging this and the ends to which it is being used, which is to overthrow democracy and to install an authoritarian regime.
    Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • European and American teachings focused more on compulsory figures, the basic patterns skaters would trace across the ice that give the sport its name.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Last year, Denmark sought to increase the number of young people in the military by extending compulsory enlistment to women for the first time.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • He is paired with an arrogant young partner (Lou), a second-generation political scion whose personality clashes sharply with his own.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
  • In the early years of his fame as a writer, Rushdie had something of a reputation for being prickly and arrogant, but Gibney’s portrait reveals a man mellowed by time and experience.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Judges could reason the NCAA interpreting rules to allow pros from some leagues, but not others, is hypocritical and arbitrary.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Venezuela’s opposition and human rights groups have long accused the country’s authoritarian regime of using arbitrary arrests to suppress dissent.
    Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Even though Kenneth was the one to shoot Sheridan, both the jury and the judge accepted the prosecution's argument that Ronald was the domineering brother and had planned and directed the killing.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In the movie, set in medieval England, Anne (Turner) and her domineering mother-in-law, Morwen (Gay Harden), struggle to survive on the outskirts of society.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • One weapons count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years and a maximum of life, while another related conspiracy charge also carries a maximum sentence of life.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • More than 300 district judges in Minnesota and elsewhere have so far rejected the government’s mandatory detention policies, ordering detainees released or granted bond hearings.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Benefits of a Bread Oven The top benefit of a dedicated bread oven is superior bread.
    Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Southern Living editors recommend unique products at Trader Joe's, such as Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, known for their superior taste and balance.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • My thinking ultimately derived from my response to Slate and NPR’s new Black film canon project, which was an authoritative list of 50 films.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Duah’s authoritative finish in the 68th minute stood as the largest goal of the two matches.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peremptory. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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