PEREMPTORY Synonyms: 239 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

peremptory

adjective

pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē

Definition of peremptory next

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around the governor's peremptory personal assistant began telling the crowd of reporters and photographers exactly where they had to stand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in compulsory

forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law a peremptory summons to appear before the committee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in arbitrary

having or showing a tendency to force one's will on others without any regard to fairness or necessity a peremptory insistence that the staff wait on them first

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 parties are allowed to strike an unlimited number of jurors for cause, while each side is permitted ten peremptory strikes, which are used to excuse jurors for any reason. —

Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2024 After all objections are made — either for cause or via peremptory strike — those who remain are chosen to serve, Hamilton said. —

Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2024 Their fraught reunion happens on Ellis Island, where they are queried by a peremptory immigration official, who communicates in a mixture of English and trombone. —

Rhoda Feng, Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2024 But Honduras continued to make willful and peremptory demands, even publicly releasing incorrect information, causing harm to the government of Taiwan. —

Paul Best, Fox News, 27 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for peremptory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for peremptory

Adjective

Serbia’s authoritarian leader should be riding high, lifted by economic growth that is four times the European average, falling unemployment and steadily rising wages.

— Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Trump’s decision will force many civil-society organizations in Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador and other Latin American authoritarian countries to shut down or drastically reduce their operations, leaders of some of these groups told me.

— Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025