1
as in domineering
fond of ordering people around
grew up with an authoritarian older sister who thought she was queen of the world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
an authoritarian coach who runs football practice like it's boot camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in disciplinarian
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in dictator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of authoritarian
Byron Tau, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
The series focuses on the battle of the minds between the humanist Olsen and the authoritarian far-right politician Quisling.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Even before these latest actions, a significant number of Americans were worried about the U.S. becoming less of a democracy and more of an authoritarian state under Trump's second term.
—Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025
Yoon’s order faced fierce backlash from the public and lawmakers across the political spectrum, reviving painful memories of the country’s authoritarian past.
—Gawon Bae, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for authoritarian 
Adjective
Simulation examined punishing political foes Gellman helped run a series of simulations last year aimed at testing the U.S. response to an authoritarian presidency.
—Byron Tau, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
The series focuses on the battle of the minds between the humanist Olsen and the authoritarian far-right politician Quisling.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Even before these latest actions, a significant number of Americans were worried about the U.S. becoming less of a democracy and more of an authoritarian state under Trump's second term.
—Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025
Yoon’s order faced fierce backlash from the public and lawmakers across the political spectrum, reviving painful memories of the country’s authoritarian past.
—Gawon Bae, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for authoritarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritarian
Adjective
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The stress of being a loyal husband and father while toiling tirelessly at Spacely Space Sprockets – headed by a domineering man with a Napoleon complex – seems to float away as the zooming saucer-like aero cars with large bubble roofs leave behind popcorn-like residue from fuel pellets and radium.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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The voters might want to cash in their IOU here, but something tells me the Globes have one truly trashy TV pick in them for this year and will get their Ryan Murphy on with a win for Javier Bardem as the domineering Menendez patriarch.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This story incorporates reporting from KNOE, The Sun, ABC Columbia and Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati. Spirit Airlines has revised its policies to enforce a stricter dress code for passengers.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
24 Jan. 2025
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Ask what one thing matters most, hide your phone away, take everything outside, create strict boundaries, and make health your edge.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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After three years with John Fox, Pace didn’t need to fully reset the culture inside Halas Hall and bring in an experienced disciplinarian because Fox had helped clean up the mess left behind by the Phil Emery/Marc Trestman administration.—
Adam Jahns,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
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There are no old-school disciplinarians in the NFL any longer, but Campbell’s success is based on toughness, winning the one-on-one battles and gambling that his team will be successful on fourth-down plays.—
Steve Silverman,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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His fervor against communism, which was gaining a foothold in nearby Cuba, made the ruthless dictator and his son U.S. allies.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
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In fact, past experience as a brutal dictator seems to be an important qualification, as both Khan Noonien Singh and Philippa Georgiou have made it past Section 31's vetting procedures.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The Inside Llewyn Davis star plays Victor Frankenstein, the arrogant scientist who successfully creates life out of an assemblage of deceased body parts.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
30 Jan. 2025
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An arrogant advertiser at the peak of success is forced to promote a tycoon as a presidential candidate, while a mysterious stalker threatens to destroy his agency and his reputation.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Ideally, opt for an eco-friendly detergent without harsh chemicals.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Jan. 2025
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Unlike regular shampoos, curl-specific formulas focus on hydration, gentle cleansing, and curl retention while avoiding harsh sulfates and silicones that can strip moisture.—
Erin Parker,
Allure,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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But Muir’s co-moderator, Linsey Davis, was a different case: Davis wore a mannish, gray suit jacket and struck a pose of martinet — almost schoolmarmish — solemnity.—
Armond White,
National Review,
20 Sep. 2024
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There’s Cece’s father, long vanished; Ronnie, a predator; Marcel, a martinet; Joel, a manipulator; and a random catcaller in the street, whom Cece sends scurrying away by turning her acting skills to practical use.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
12 June 2024
Noun
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Be realistic, however: Talk such as Trump’s could be very useful to those expansionist, rapacious tyrants.—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
15 Jan. 2025
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Sharon Stone plays a gunfighter who ends up in a town called Redemption, ruled with iron fist by a tyrant played by Gene Hackman.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
6 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near authoritarian
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritarian. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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