absolutism

noun

ˈab-sə-ˌlü-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce absolutism (audio)
Definition of absolutismnext
as in tyranny
a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power concerning absolutism Lord Acton famously observed that "absolute power corrupts absolutely"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of absolutism Advice or even just notions—only check email after noon; never do 10 reps of crunches—solidify into absolutism or vanish. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026 So the same establishment that had once helped push a Qajar shah toward constitutionalism helped pull a Pahlavi shah back from exile and back into absolutism. — Bobby Ghosh, Time, 5 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for absolutism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absolutism
  1. tyranny
  2. dictatorship
  3. fascism
  4. despotism
  5. autocracy
  6. authoritarianism
  7. totalitarianism
Noun
  • In the film, out September 11, Garfield plays Ploughman, the legendary leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2026
  • Ḥusayn’s death became for the Shiʿah a symbol of selfless resistance against worldly injustice and tyranny and is commemorated with lamentation each year on Ashura.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026
Definition of tyranny
Noun
  • The 1978 World Cup edition was played in and won by an Argentina ruled by a military dictatorship that forcibly disappeared thousands of people.
    — Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • They were invaded in 1982 under orders from Argentina’s then-military dictatorship, triggering a 10-week war won by Britain.
    — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of dictatorship
Noun
  • Brogin, who said at the time that the law was akin to fascism, fought the city, unsuccessfully.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • Ben-Ghiat’s comparative work on fascism does not function as a morality play either.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Definition of fascism
Noun
  • The nation which will not adopt an equilibrium of power must adopt a despotism.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • His dream was nothing less than a new reality, a hopeful future free of despotism, ruled by equality and liberty, rather than kings and queens.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Definition of despotism
Noun
  • Worse, many of the 92 autocracies around the world are becoming more repressive.
    — José Kaire, Fortune, 19 July 2026
  • About half of all autocracies have experienced similar trajectories after opening their economies.
    — José Kaire, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
Definition of autocracy
Noun
  • That doesn't sound like a man who embraces authoritarianism to me.
    — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • Look the steady coarsening of American civic and political culture and the ways in which the once-outrageous—the bilious, hateful rhetoric and the creeping authoritarianism—have become almost ordinary.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of authoritarianism
Noun
  • Visual artist and historian Ranfis Suárez Ramos highlighted the importance of internet access for Cubans as a way to break the hold of totalitarianism.
    — Sarah Moreno June 5, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
  • His parents’ experience living under totalitarianism shaped his outlook on the world.
    — Iris Kwok May 12, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Definition of totalitarianism

Browse Nearby Words

absolutions
absolutism
absolve
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Cite this Entry

“Absolutism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolutism. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on absolutism

Nglish: Translation of absolutism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about absolutism

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