ultimatum

noun

ul·​ti·​ma·​tum ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-təm How to pronounce ultimatum (audio) -ˈmä- How to pronounce ultimatum (audio)
plural ultimatums or ultimata ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-tə How to pronounce ultimatum (audio)
-ˈmä-
Synonyms of ultimatum
: a final proposition, condition, or demand
especially : one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct action

Synonyms of ultimatum

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Examples of ultimatum in a Sentence

She was given an ultimatum—work harder or lose her job. issued the ultimatum that the project be finished by the following week, or it would be terminated
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though The Venue’s statement did not mention an ultimatum, Tlaib or rally speakers’ views on Israel, the business said in its statement that The Venue is Jewish-owned and operated. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 In a 2009 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Downey’s wife, Susan Downey, recalled giving him an ultimatum to get sober in 2003. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026 But up next, Iran’s latest move in the Strait of Hormuz and the ultimatum that the Iranians just delivered to the United States. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 The county is currently without an assessor, after Interim County Executive Phil LeVota posed a public ultimatum to former Assessor Gail McCann Beatty in November; resign within 24 hours or face removal from office. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ultimatum

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, neuter of ultimatus final

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultimatum was in 1731

Rhymes for ultimatum

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Browse Nearby Words

ultimation
ultimatum
ultimo
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Cite this Entry

“Ultimatum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultimatum. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ultimatum

noun
ul·​ti·​ma·​tum ˌəl-tə-ˈmāt-əm How to pronounce ultimatum (audio) -ˈmät- How to pronounce ultimatum (audio)
plural ultimatums or ultimata -ə How to pronounce ultimatum (audio)
: a demand that if rejected will bring about an end of peaceful talks and could lead to forceful action

More from Merriam-Webster on ultimatum

Nglish: Translation of ultimatum for Spanish Speakers

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