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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dictatorial contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dictatorial are doctrinaire, dogmatic, magisterial, and oracular. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

When is doctrinaire a more appropriate choice than dictatorial?

While the synonyms doctrinaire and dictatorial are close in meaning, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

When would dogmatic be a good substitute for dictatorial?

The words dogmatic and dictatorial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When could magisterial be used to replace dictatorial?

The meanings of magisterial and dictatorial largely overlap; however, magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

When can oracular be used instead of dictatorial?

The words oracular and dictatorial can be used in similar contexts, but oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Examples of dictatorial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Trump’s dream is to one day enjoy the kind of dictatorial power exercised by Putin. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2024 Whitman threatened to quit as the company’s CEO, finding that Katzenberg was dictatorial, undermined her authority, and belittled her, according to The Wall Street Journal. David Pierce, The Verge, 6 Aug. 2024 On Sunday, the people of Venezuela go to the polls in an election that is far from free or fair yet might still give voters a chance to show their disapproval of a regime that is corrupt, dictatorial and unpopular. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 26 July 2024 When Roosevelt entered the White House, some Americans demanded new federal powers, even dictatorial ones, while others maintained the traditional distrust of enforcement. Anthony Gregory / Made By History, TIME, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for dictatorial 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dictatorial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near dictatorial

Cite this Entry

“Dictatorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictatorial. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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