plural tyrannies
1
: oppressive power
every form of tyranny over the mind of man—
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson2
a
: a government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler
especially
: one characteristic of an ancient Greek city-state
b
: the office, authority, and administration of a tyrant
3
: a rigorous condition imposed by some outside agency or force
living under the tyranny of the clock—Dixon Wecter
Dixon Wecter4
: an oppressive, harsh, or unjust act : a tyrannical act
workers who had suffered tyrannies
Examples of tyranny in a Sentence
Cars freed Americans, already infamous for their mobility, from the tyranny of train schedules.
—Cynthia Crossen, Wall Street Journal, 7 May 2003
Berlin remains a central attraction, and the evanescence of tyranny is a highlight of the visit.
—William F. Buckley, Jr., National Review, 27 Sept. 1999
For in creating a cultural orthodoxy designed to combat racism, urban disorder, and a legacy of oppression, we subject ourselves to delusional dogma, the tyranny of conformity, and language that rings of fascist imagery.
—Gerald Early, Harper's, January 1997
The refugees were fleeing tyranny.
He was dedicated to ending the tyranny of slavery.
a nation ruled by tyranny
She felt lost in the bureaucratic tyrannies of the university system.
The king sought an absolute tyranny over the colonies.
Cynthia Crossen, Wall Street Journal, 7 May 2003
Berlin remains a central attraction, and the evanescence of tyranny is a highlight of the visit.
—William F. Buckley, Jr., National Review, 27 Sept. 1999
For in creating a cultural orthodoxy designed to combat racism, urban disorder, and a legacy of oppression, we subject ourselves to delusional dogma, the tyranny of conformity, and language that rings of fascist imagery.
—Gerald Early, Harper's, January 1997
The refugees were fleeing tyranny.
He was dedicated to ending the tyranny of slavery.
a nation ruled by tyranny
She felt lost in the bureaucratic tyrannies of the university system.
The king sought an absolute tyranny over the colonies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Males that tried to rule by asserting their dominance through violence, tyranny and threat did not last.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Christian is annoyed by Max’s temporary tyranny and overall seems … normal.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
When human decency and basic civility fall victim to partisanship and ideology, and abhorrence of violence becomes tempered by political aims, monstrosities and tyrannies become possible.
—Michael Bloomberg, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025
Ward’s comments underscore that the most incredible and enduring mythology of King Henry’s reign remains that of his putative tyranny.
—Marlene L. Daut
september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tyranny
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Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Christian is annoyed by Max’s temporary tyranny and overall seems … normal.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
When human decency and basic civility fall victim to partisanship and ideology, and abhorrence of violence becomes tempered by political aims, monstrosities and tyrannies become possible.
—Michael Bloomberg, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025
Ward’s comments underscore that the most incredible and enduring mythology of King Henry’s reign remains that of his putative tyranny.
—Marlene L. Daut
september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tyranny
Cite this Entry
“Tyranny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyranny. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tyranny
noun
tyr·an·ny
ˈtir-ə-nē 
plural tyrannies
1
: a government in which all power is in the hands of a single ruler
2
: harsh, cruel, and severe government or conduct
3
: a tyrannical act
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