authoritarian

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​tar·​i·​an ȯ-ˌthȯr-ə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce authoritarian (audio)
ə-,
-ˌthär-
1
: of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority
had authoritarian parents
2
: of, relating to, or favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people
an authoritarian regime
authoritarian noun
authoritarianism noun

Examples of authoritarian in a Sentence

grew up with an authoritarian older sister who thought she was queen of the world an authoritarian coach who runs football practice like it's boot camp
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Not like those nasty authoritarian regimes (which actually do take in a lot of migrants in some cases, just ones whose diversity contribution isn’t as superficial). Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 28 Dec. 2024 Solzhenitsyn’s exploration and critique of Soviet history and authoritarian power never ceased. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Dec. 2024 Gentle parents tend to follow this more involved process, rather than skipping straight to punishment (as seen in an authoritarian parenting style). Alex Vance, Parents, 27 Dec. 2024 Howe foresees the potential for unrest, ranging from insurrection to authoritarian shifts, as societies grapple with intensifying divisions. Bob Haber, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for authoritarian 

Word History

Etymology

authority + -arian

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of authoritarian was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near authoritarian

Cite this Entry

“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritarian. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

authoritarian

adjective
au·​thor·​i·​tar·​i·​an ȯ-ˌthär-ə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce authoritarian (audio)
ə-,
-ˌthȯr-
1
: expecting strict obedience to one's authority
had authoritarian parents
2
: based on the principle that the leaders and not the people have the final authority
an authoritarian state
authoritarian noun
authoritarianism noun

More from Merriam-Webster on authoritarian

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