ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›P›peremptory

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peremptory

adjective/pəˈrɛmp.tɚ.i/

demanding immediate obedience without allowing discussion

Synonyms

• imperious
• dictatorial
• commanding

Antonyms

• deferential
• tentative
• courteous

peremptory in a sentence

Where it comes from

From Latin perimere, meaning 'to destroy' or 'cut off.'

Memory hook

PEREMPTORY sounds like 'promptly': its tone demands prompt obedience.

Read it in context

• The Weight of Fifteen Years Narrative
• The Varen Customs Crisis History
• The Empty Chair Narrative

Practice peremptory in the app

Study these too

• cajole
• chagrin
• complaisant
• unctuous
• abrogate
• abstemious