domineering

[ dom-uh-neer-ing ]

adjective

1. inclined to rule arbitrarily or despotically; overbearing; tyrannical:

   domineering parents.

   Synonyms: oppressive, despotic, arrogant

domineering

/ ˌdɒmɪˈnɪərɪŋ /

adjective

1. acting with or showing arrogance or tyranny; imperious

Derived Forms

• ˌdomiˈneeringness, noun
• ˌdomiˈneeringly, adverb

Other Words From

• domi·neering·ly adverb
• domi·neering·ness noun
• nondom·i·neering adjective
• super·domi·neering adjective
• undom·i·neering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of domineering¹

First recorded in 1580–90; domineer + -ing ²

Example Sentences

It's reasonable to fear that the risk is rising, after the election of an openly misogynist president who creates a permission structure for other men to be more domineering.

From Salon

If he comes across as domineering or belittling, he could further damage his already weak support among female voters.

From BBC

Trump is a domineering bully who doesn't know how to run anything.

From Salon

McDonald, who has won more competitive Tony Awards than any other performer in history, has for years been thinking about the show’s main character, a domineering stage mother named Rose.

From New York Times

Penelope, the demure youngest daughter of the domineering matriarch Lady Portia Featherington, was to be done up in garish pastel dresses and gaudy jewelry, with a hairdo clogged with curls — none of it particularly flattering.

From New York Times

Related Words

• arrogant
• autocratic
• bossy
• dictatorial
• imperious
• overbearing
• tyrannical