as in tyrant
a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way
the dictator had a fierce stranglehold on the country, keeping its people in poverty and ignorance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dictator
Long after the 2011 bombing of Libya removed dictator Moammar Gadhafi, Libya remains in chaos.
—
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 June 2025
In contrast, Iran’s energy infrastructure was routinely targeted by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), which severely crippled the Iranian economy.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
His meetings with the Russian dictator last for hours.
—Andrew Ryvkin, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
The signs and costumes were the real show, ranging from clever wordplay and depictions of President Donald Trump as a dictator, to profane expressions calling for an end to ICE raids that had been conducted in the city for about a week prior.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dictator
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 June 2025
In contrast, Iran’s energy infrastructure was routinely targeted by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), which severely crippled the Iranian economy.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
His meetings with the Russian dictator last for hours.
—Andrew Ryvkin, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
The signs and costumes were the real show, ranging from clever wordplay and depictions of President Donald Trump as a dictator, to profane expressions calling for an end to ICE raids that had been conducted in the city for about a week prior.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dictator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictator
tyrant
Noun
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While the modern world rages outside their four walls, everything inside is immune to the tyrant of time.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
21 June 2025
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But is that the same for employees who work for a tyrant?—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dictator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictator. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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