theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈä-krə-sē How to pronounce theocracy (audio)
plural theocracies
1
: government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided
2
: a state governed by a theocracy

Examples of theocracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That acknowledgment comes as Iran's theocracy has slowly begun to admit the scale of the damage wrought by the 12-day war with Israel, which saw Israeli fighter jets decimate the country's air defenses and conduct strikes at will over the Islamic Republic. Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025 That acknowledgment comes as Iran’s theocracy has slowly begun to admit the scale of the damage wrought by the 12-day war with Israel, which saw Israeli fighter jets decimate the country’s air defenses and conduct strikes at will over the Islamic Republic. Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025 But, Malek said, many seeking education in the U.S. have historically few ties to political activism or are in opposition to Iran’s ruling theocracy. Kimmy Yam, NBC news, 27 June 2025 As streaming sites gradually catch on to this treasure trove of cinema, here are 27 essential Iranian movies available to stream or watch as VOD, including classic hybrid documentaries, psychological dramas, and gory thrillers that attest to the terrifying reality of life under theocracy. Tiara Ataii, Vulture, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for theocracy

Word History

Etymology

Greek theokratia, from the- + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theocracy was in 1622

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Cite this Entry

“Theocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theocracy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

theocracy

noun
the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈäk-rə-sē How to pronounce theocracy (audio)
plural theocracies
1
: government of a country by officials believed to have divine guidance
2
: a country governed by a theocracy

More from Merriam-Webster on theocracy

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