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domineering

adjective
dom·​i·​neer·​ing | \ ËŒdä-mÉ™-ˈnir-iÅ‹ How to pronounce domineering (audio) \

Definition of domineering

: inclined to exercise arbitrary and overbearing control over others
Other Words from domineering Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about domineering

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Other Words from domineering

domineeringly adverb
domineeringness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for domineering

masterful, domineering, imperious, peremptory, imperative mean tending to impose one's will on others. masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively. her masterful personality soon dominated the movement domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will. children controlled by domineering parents imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance. an imperious executive used to getting his own way peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent. given a peremptory dismissal imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate. an imperative appeal for assistance

Did You Know?

To be domineering is to behave like a lord. (The word lordly doesn't express quite the same thing.) Someone who tells you what you can wear or what friends you can spend time with could be called domineering; so could someone who always decides what you're going to do with your free time. Those of us who grow up with a domineering parent usually flee as soon as we're old enough.

Examples of domineering in a Sentence

the younger children in the family were controlled by a domineering older sister

Recent Examples on the Web

 Though Malik can be domineering and severe, he’s also burdened by his struggle to provide for his family after losing his job at a car factory. — David Sims, The Atlantic, "Blinded by the Light Is a Charming Homage to the Power of Art," 15 Aug. 2019 Polanski, whom Tate had first met at a party in London, was domineering and often on the road with a film, frequenting clubs and, according to a number of accounts, orchestrating trysts. — Jeffrey Fleishman, chicagotribune.com, "How Sharon Tate transfixed Hollywood, 50 years before ‘Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood’," 26 July 2019 Polanski, whom Tate had first met at a party in London, was domineering and often on the road with a film, frequenting clubs and, according to a number of accounts, orchestrating trysts. — Jeffrey Fleishman, chicagotribune.com, "How Sharon Tate transfixed Hollywood, 50 years before ‘Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood’," 26 July 2019 Polanski, whom Tate had first met at a party in London, was domineering and often on the road with a film, frequenting clubs and, according to a number of accounts, orchestrating trysts. — Los Angeles Times, "How Sharon Tate transfixed Hollywood, 50 years before ‘Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood’," 25 July 2019 Yes, that's right, Etienne Capoue snatched Watford's prestigious Graham Taylor Player of the Season award with his domineering performances from the heart of Javi Gracia's midfield. — SI.com, "Every Premier League Club's Player of the 2018/19 Season," 5 June 2019 Several illegitimate children reveal a passionate side, while the domineering treatment of his offspring confirm the sense of a man determined to be in charge. — William Anthony Hay, WSJ, "‘Emperor’ Review: A Sovereign on the Move," 21 June 2019 The subjects are complex and contrasted: vulnerable and seductive; exposed and concealed; aloof and domineering. — Amy Louise Bailey, Harper's BAZAAR, "How Feminist Artists Are Staging Their Own Protests with Paint," 6 Feb. 2017 Downtown Las Vegas has boldly emerged out of the shadow of the domineering Las Vegas Strip. — Condé Nast Traveler, "What to Do in Downtown Las Vegas: Our Guide," 4 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'domineering.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of domineering

1588, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for domineering

domineering

adjective
How to pronounce domineering (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of domineering

: tending too often to tell people what to do : often trying to control the behavior of others

See the full definition for domineering in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on domineering

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for domineering

Spanish Central: Translation of domineering

Nglish: Translation of domineering for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of domineering for Arabic Speakers

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