apparatchik
noun
Did you know?
The apparat in apparatchik (a term English speakers borrowed from Russian) essentially means "party machine," with machine referring to a highly organized political group under the leadership of a boss or small group of individuals: apparatchik originally referred to someone functioning as a cog in the system of the Communist Party. The term is not a flattering one, and its negative connotations reflect the perception of some Communists as obedient drones in the great Party machine. In current use, however, a person doesn't have to be a member of the Communist Party to be called an apparatchik; they just have to be someone who mindlessly follows orders in an organization or bureaucracy.
Examples of apparatchik in a Sentence
Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
There’s not much in the way of philosophical heft or psychological insight as the plot follows many decades in the life of Paul Dano’s Vadim Baranov, the fictionalization of a real apparatchik spearheading Putin’s communication strategy.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025
The new play now at A Red Orchid Theatre is about the existential angst that flows from an acting role only a Soviet apparatchik could truly love: standing in for a murderous dictator with myriad enemies.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
In that time, Tucci appeared in a number of films as either a foot soldier, don, or other apparatchik of an underground criminal organization, including Quick Change, Men of Respect, Billy Bathgate, and The Public Eye.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apparatchik
Cite this Entry
“Apparatchik.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatchik. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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