1 imperious | Definition of imperious
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imperious

adjective
im·​pe·​ri·​ous | \ im-ˈpir-ē-əs How to pronounce imperious (audio) \

Definition of imperious

1a : befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : commanding, dominant an imperious manner
b : marked by arrogant assurance : domineering
2 : intensely compelling : urgent the imperious problems of the new age— J. F. Kennedy
Other Words from imperious Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about imperious

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Other Words from imperious

imperiously adverb
imperiousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for imperious

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

Examples of imperious in a Sentence

an imperious little boy who liked to tell the other scouts what to do an imperious movie star who thinks she's some sort of goddess

Recent Examples on the Web

 His country may have been defeated, but Peacock-Farrell was in imperious form. — SI.com, "Northern Ireland 0-2 Germany: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Visitors Fight to Earn Win," 9 Sep. 2019 Castro’s personal correspondence while an insurgent in the Sierra Maestra after 1956 illuminates his strategic thinking and at times imperious leadership style. — Michael J. Bustamante, Washington Post, "Portrait of a young Castro, drawn from his personal archive," 5 July 2019 But this all comes at the end of this addictively chronicled history, in six parts, of a deluded autocrat and his equally imperious czarina, German-born and the granddaughter of Queen Victoria. — Dorothy Rabinowitz, WSJ, "‘The Last Czars’ Review: Deadly Delusions," 27 June 2019 The new season picks up in the wake of that scenario, with Logan back at full force, a model of sheer aggression, seeking to prove with every imperious gesture just how far the apples can fall from the tree. — Brian Lowry, CNN, "'Succession' shows media dynasties are just families, only much worse," 11 Aug. 2019 The old, imperious king of the parquet, Kyrie, is gone, long live the new king, Kemba. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "Can Kemba Walker make fans forget about Kyrie Irving?," 17 July 2019 Being unfairly treated by the imperious Czar/Empress is, if not a beloved Style Invitational tradition, something that just comes with the territory of a single beleaguered Crowned Head looking at every last entry in what is never enough time. — Washington Post, "Style Conversational Week 1342: Combominimums," 25 July 2019 Now, as Crosby listens to his own imperious words, a flash of regret curdles his expression. — Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, "David Crosby Celebrates His Ornery Self in the Documentary “Remember My Name”," 16 July 2019 And as the long-running show suddenly faces cancellation, its imperious host, played by Emma Thompson, reluctantly turns to her new, untested employee for help. — Mark Olsen, latimes.com, "Indie Focus: backstage comedy in 'Late Night'," 7 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'imperious.' 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 imperious

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for imperious

borrowed from Latin imperiōsus "exercising authority, domineering," from imperium "authority over family members and slaves exercised by the head of a household, supreme administrative authority, dominion" + -ōsus -ous — more at empire

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More Definitions for imperious

imperious

adjective
How to pronounce imperious (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of imperious

formal : having or showing the proud and unpleasant attitude of someone who gives orders and expects other people to obey them

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More from Merriam-Webster on imperious

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with imperious

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for imperious

Spanish Central: Translation of imperious

Nglish: Translation of imperious for Spanish Speakers

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