absolutism

noun

ab·​so·​lut·​ism ˈab-sə-ˌlü-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce absolutism (audio)
Synonyms of absolutismnext
1
a
: a political theory that absolute power should be vested in one or more rulers
b
: government by an absolute ruler or authority : despotism
2
: advocacy of a rule by absolute standards or principles
3
: an absolute standard or principle
absolutist noun or adjective
absolutistic adjective

Examples of absolutism in a Sentence

concerning absolutism Lord Acton famously observed that “absolute power corrupts absolutely”
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 That balance, not absolutism, is how the U.S. will sustain leadership in the AI era. Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absolutism

Word History

Etymology

absolute + -ism (in political sense after French absolutisme)

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolutism was in 1823

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Cite this Entry

“Absolutism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolutism. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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