ultimatum
noun
ul·ti·ma·tum
ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-təm 
-ˈmä-
-ˈmä-
plural ultimatums or ultimata
ˌəl-tə-ˈmā-tə
-ˈmä-
: a final proposition, condition, or demand
especially
: one whose rejection will end negotiations and cause a resort to force or other direct action
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
Recent Examples on the Web
Joan gives Greg an ultimatum — get a steady job or she's headed home.
—
Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 14 Jan. 2025
The five-time World Chess Champion was playing on Friday and defending his titles at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York, the short form versions of the game when he was given an ultimatum by The International Chess Federation (FIDE).
—Marissa Muller, WWD, 28 Dec. 2024
However, after Tyler's ultimatum, the mother chose to cancel the trip, rather than invite the couple.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024
In each pair, one partner ready to tie the knot delivers an ultimatum to their more hesitant significant other.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ultimatum 
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Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 14 Jan. 2025
The five-time World Chess Champion was playing on Friday and defending his titles at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York, the short form versions of the game when he was given an ultimatum by The International Chess Federation (FIDE).
—Marissa Muller, WWD, 28 Dec. 2024
However, after Tyler's ultimatum, the mother chose to cancel the trip, rather than invite the couple.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024
In each pair, one partner ready to tie the knot delivers an ultimatum to their more hesitant significant other.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ultimatum
Articles Related to ultimatum
Dictionary Entries Near ultimatum
Cite this Entry
“Ultimatum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultimatum. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
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ultimatum
noun
ul·ti·ma·tum
ˌəl-tə-ˈmāt-əm
-ˈmät-
-ˈmät-
plural ultimatums or ultimata
-ə
: a demand that if rejected will bring about an end of peaceful talks and could lead to forceful action
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