Synonyms of despot

despot

noun

ˈde-spət 

as in tyrant

a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way

the despot exiled political dissidents to remote labor camps, where they were left to rot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tyrant
• dictator
• ruler
• pharaoh
• warlord
• strongman
• oppressor
• führer
• overlord
• man on horseback
• caesar
• tycoon
• autocrat
• prince
• leader
• king
• potentate
• authoritarian
• monarch
• totalitarian
• magnate
• baron
• tyrannizer
• boss
• caudillo
• sovereign
• dominator
• master
• queen
• czar
• chief
• lord
• paramount
• martinet
• Big Brother
• autarch
• mogul
• taskmaster
• kingpin
• captain
• disciplinarian
• monocrat
• enforcer
• discipliner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of despot

When a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune, the team is sent to steal it back on what would be for anyone else a suicide mission. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 May 2026

Underlying such obvious acts of aggression lies an insidious tendency for transnational repression to flow from despots into democracies, oppressing lawyers of all nationalities in the process. — Irwin Cotler, Time, 8 May 2026

The despot’s dilemma Iran’s cameras have been repeatedly hacked over the past few years. — Dake Kang, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026

Thus, to be real peace-makers, whether Christian or not, responsible leaders need to be aware that the approach of pacifism often paves the way for dictators and despots to inflict more and more violence. — Bill Keane, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026

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