strongman

noun

strong·​man ˈstrȯŋ-ˌman 

: one who leads or controls by force of will and character or by military methods

Synonyms of strongman

• dictator
• tyrant

Examples of strongman in a Sentence

a Latin-American strongman who basically treated his nation's coffers as his personal bank account

Recent Examples on the Web

For most of the first half of the 20th century, military strongmen ruled Venezuela and promoted the oil industry while allowing some social reforms. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026

The danger is that in the rush to remove a strongman, outside powers elevate leaders who are more acceptable internationally but no more accountable domestically. —Rick Singh, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026

Now as then, a strongman has been dislodged in Venezuela, and the field of possibilities has expanded. —Michael Albertus, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026

Coup Participant Cabello, 62, is the government’s socialist party strongman, controlling loyalists and followers across the country, as well as heading prisons, police and intelligence forces, which the United Nations has said enabled crimes against humanity. —Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for strongman

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• crankpin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman