absolutism

noun

ab·​so·​lut·​ism ˈab-sə-ˌlü-ˌti-zəm 

1

a

: a political theory that absolute power should be vested in one or more rulers

b

: government by an absolute ruler or authority : despotism

2

: advocacy of a rule by absolute standards or principles

3

: an absolute standard or principle

absolutist

ˈab-sə-ˌlü-tist 

noun or adjective

absolutistic

ˌab-sə-(ˌ)lü-ˈti-stik 

adjective

Synonyms of absolutism

• tyranny
• dictatorship
• fascism
• Communism
• despotism
• autocracy
• authoritarianism
• totalitarianism

Examples of absolutism in a Sentence

concerning absolutism Lord Acton famously observed that “absolute power corrupts absolutely”

Recent Examples on the Web

Social media, ideological sorting, and the emotional intensity of war encourage absolutism. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026

The Talmud teaches that Jerusalem was destroyed not only because of hatred, but because of sinat chinam, baseless hatred fueled by moral absolutism. —Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026

That balance, not absolutism, is how the U.S. will sustain leadership in the AI era. —Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

At the Claremont Institute in California, the disciples of Leo Strauss, the intellectual guru to several generations of conservatives, combine Platonic philosophy, biblical teachings, and a reverence for the American founding into a politics of ethical and religious absolutism. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

absolute + -ism (in political sense after French absolutisme)

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for absolutism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism