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as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude an imperious movie star who thinks she's some sort of goddess

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word imperious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperious are domineering, imperative, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When would domineering be a good substitute for imperious?

The synonyms domineering and imperious are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 imperious?

While the synonyms imperative and imperious are close in meaning, 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 masterful take the place of imperious?

The words masterful and imperious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 imperious?

The words peremptory and imperious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 imperious As the protagonist/antihero, audiences meet everyone through his eyes (and imperious narration) — and in his view, most people are shallow and irritating, especially the residents of Madre Linda. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025 Also amusing is Fiona Glascott as Lady Violet, an old acquaintance of Sherlock’s who specializes officially in schooling young ladies like Clara to join British high society and unofficially in casting her imperious judgment everywhere. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025 As Kimberly Shaw, a mild-mannered resident doctor of Wilshire Memorial Hospital, Cross shared plenty of scenes with Wagner, who shows up in the third season as Peter Burns, the hospital's imperious chief of staff. EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025 And Palace, who are in imperious away form, will feel optimistic about their chances to at least progress to Wembley. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imperious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperious
Adjective
  • Panahi’s film, his first since being released from prison in 2023, is a direct assault on Iran’s authoritarian regime.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
  • But this one rush job, HB 1205, was especially dear to the governor’s authoritarian heart.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • By losing some of its arrogant charm, Doom has also lost the means to back it up.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
  • For example, when a man in his sixties talks about the same thing, he’s seen as calm and logical, but when a woman in her twenties talks about it, she’s seen as arrogant or trying to act mature.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • But Laxe’s cadence of death is nasty and arbitrary and delightful.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
  • These bills would formalize what the Parole Board should already be doing and therefore limit arbitrary rejections.
    Julia Salazar, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • This category is broad and urgent—people are dealing with stress, sleep disorders, focus issues, and more.
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Here's why and what happened CT officials issue urgent plea for help stopping ‘a plague’ in state waterways.
    Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The trial had revealed Blue Cross’ domineering behavior.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
  • As mild-mannered schoolteacher Mr. Lisbon, James Woods plays a quiet counterpoint to his domineering wife.
    Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His official cause of death was acute hypoxic respiratory failure, which is a condition where the lungs aren't able to release enough oxygen into the bloodstream.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • Intensity in relationships involves seeking out acute, high-stimulation feelings that often stem from fear, anxiety or a desire to escape emotional numbness, not from genuine connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • With a versatile and emotionally resonant voice, he’s known for delivering the smooth sophistication of jazz and the commanding presence needed for authoritative reads.
    William Jones, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • When executed well, a strong content strategy creates a consistent, authoritative presence that builds both trust and familiarity, inviting potential clients to take the next step.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Venezuelans have been living under the autocratic regime of Nicolás Maduro for more than a decade amid runaway inflation, worsening poverty and widespread political persecution.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • In autocratic regimes, such as the one headed by the Kim family in North Korea, major construction projects like the Ryugyong Hotel serve the purpose of reinforcing the dictatorial government control.
    Ashley Gardini, JSTOR Daily, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imperious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperious. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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