Imperious
hardim-PEER-ee-us
adjective
Definition
Assuming power or authority without justification; domineering
Examples
“Her imperious manner made her unpopular with colleagues.”
“The imperious CEO tolerated no dissent from subordinates.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Imperious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "domineering" or "overbearing" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "humble".
Related GRE Words
bombastic
High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated or pretentious language
supercilious
Behaving as though one is superior to others
admonish
To warn or reprimand someone firmly
censure
To express severe disapproval of someone or something, especially in a formal statement
definitive
Done or reached decisively and with authority; conclusive
condescending
Having or showing an attitude of patronizing superiority
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