domineering 1 of 2

adjective

ˌdä-mə-ˈnir-iŋ How to pronounce domineering (audio)
Definition of domineeringnext
as in authoritarian
fond of ordering people around the younger children in the family were controlled by a domineering older sister

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

domineering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of domineer
as in dominating

Related Words

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
Verb
Louise Fletcher portrays the domineering head nurse Ratched. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2025 But Agnes can’t stop barking orders, leaving the household staff at a loss over who to listen to — their domineering former boss or the woman signing their paychecks. —Brent Lang, Variety, 23 June 2025 My Mom Died is a heartbreaking and funny recounting of Jennette McCurdy’s struggles as a former child actor while dealing with her overbearing, domineering mother. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 July 2025 The end of season 2 turned the tables on the meek Ada and domineering Agnes when Agnes lost her fortune thanks to her son Oscar (Blake Ritson) trusting the wrong people. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for domineering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for domineering
  1. authoritarian
  2. dominating
  3. arrogant
  4. overbearing
  5. bossy
Adjective
  • North Korea is under sanctions from the United States — as well as the United Nations and several other countries — largely in response to the isolated authoritarian state's weapons programs.
    — Alana Wise, NPR, 25 July 2025
  • While Western democracies debate environmental reviews and grid reliability, authoritarian systems can rapidly direct energy flows to computing infrastructure.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of authoritarian
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
Definition of dominating
Adjective
  • In addition to Sandler, the 2025 film also sees the return of several familiar faces, including Julie Bowen as Happy’s love interest, Virginia Venit; Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s arrogant nemesis; and Ben Stiller as Hal L., the orderly from Happy’s grandmother’s nursing home.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Christopher McDonald plays Happy’s comically villainous, arrogant rival Shooter McGavin, maestro of the finger guns.
    — Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • Helmed by Roach, Meet the Parents focuses on a nurse (Stiller) having trouble getting accepted by his girlfriend’s overbearing father (De Niro).
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
  • The local megachurch is its own whole thing, with Shondaland stalwart Katie Lowes giving a delightfully overbearing performance as Jill, a preacher’s wife and Margo sidekick who’s plotting to profit off of her husband’s influence.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 21 July 2025
Definition of overbearing
Adjective
  • Moreover, some toddlers can also be quite bossy and demand that pretend play reaches their standards of entertainment and originality, instructing parents on the intricacies of the backstory and dialogue.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 2 July 2025
  • Giving a clear direction is different than being bossy!
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 June 2025
Definition of bossy

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Cite this Entry

“Domineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/domineering. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of domineering for Spanish Speakers

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