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
Then, a Russian agent contacted the soldier with an ultimatum: Switch sides and spy for Russia, or his family would suffer more harm.
—
Kostiantyn Khudov, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
As Privat delivered theatrical ultimatums, local officials sprang into seduction mode.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ultimatum 
Kostiantyn Khudov, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
As Privat delivered theatrical ultimatums, local officials sprang into seduction mode.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ultimatum
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ultimatum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Ultimatum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultimatum. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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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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