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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of authoritarian
Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
In authoritarian countries such as China, Egypt, and Turkey, even peaceful political dissidents risk being treated as terrorists.
—Max Abrahms and Joseph Mroszczyk, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
In an authoritarian state, this project is remarkable.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2024
Rising above the toxic politics To move the needle forward, Bangladesh's new leaders will need to rise above the toxic politics that have contributed to the country's authoritarian slide.
—Michael Kugelman, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for authoritarian 
Adjective
And in his previous post as U.S. ambassador to El Salvador, Johnson was an enthusiastic enforcer of Trump’s policies in support of its president, Nayib Bukele, an authoritarian widely accused of human rights abuses in a massive crackdown on gangs and in silencing dissent.
—Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
In authoritarian countries such as China, Egypt, and Turkey, even peaceful political dissidents risk being treated as terrorists.
—Max Abrahms and Joseph Mroszczyk, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
In an authoritarian state, this project is remarkable.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2024
Rising above the toxic politics To move the needle forward, Bangladesh's new leaders will need to rise above the toxic politics that have contributed to the country's authoritarian slide.
—Michael Kugelman, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for authoritarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritarian
Adjective
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The Attitude Era succeeded on the backs of all-time greats Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, with Vince McMahon a domineering force both behind the scenes and on camera.Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
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Taurus April 20 – May 20 You might currently be motivated to stand your ground against a domineering authority figure.Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The opinion was historic and sent shock waves throughout Washington, D.C., where law firms specializing in campaign finance had long advised their political clients that coordination between campaigns and PACs was a strict prohibition.Gabe Kaminsky, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Dec. 2024
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If the court agrees that the law survives strict scrutiny, TikTok could still be facing an abrupt shutdown in January.Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Their father, Jack, was a strict disciplinarian and a heavy drinker, while their mother, Katherine, was a housewife with a history of depression, according to court documents.Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
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The elder Corcoran was a strict disciplinarian and a heavy drinker, according to court documents.Kristine Phillips, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Donald Trump idolizes dictators and relishes dictator-like power.Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
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Amid civil unrest and human rights violations, the dictator also sent his wife private sketches of valentine hearts and links to romantic country music songs.Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Some media outlets are surrendering to Trump already This absurd boasting — arrogant without portfolio — is just what Trump is looking for in the VOA job.Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2024
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The single-camera series follows the arrogant, loudmouth U.S. Army Colonel Patrick Quinn (Leary), who, after an unfiltered rant, is reassigned to the Netherlands, where he is punished with a command position at the least important army base in the world.Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The cast and crew weathered extremely harsh conditions in the New Mexico mountains for 13 months to film this six-episode limited series, which premieres on January 9.Dana Feldman, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
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However, imposing harsher penalties for repeat offenders was what drove support for Proposition 36.Koko Nakajima, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
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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This frees up Hope to be a tyrant to the wedding planning committee.Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
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Movements, parties, and tyrants thrive on xenophobia—the word might be specifically Hellenic, but the sentiment is universal.Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 22 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near authoritarian
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritarian. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.
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