authoritarian
adjective
ə- ,
-ˌthȯr- \
Definition of authoritarian
1 : of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority had authoritarian parents
2 : of, relating to, or favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people an authoritarian regime
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Other words from authoritarian
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noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for authoritarian
Synonyms
austere, flinty, hard, harsh, heavy-handed, ramrod, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict, tough
Antonyms
clement, forbearing, gentle, indulgent, lax, lenient, tolerant
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Examples of authoritarian in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Critics call it a smokescreen to reduce the judiciary’s independence to ensure the increasingly authoritarian party’s grip on power. — Kristen Chick, The Christian Science Monitor, "By staying on the job, Poland's top judge fights the right-wing government," 13 July 2018 Hasina has been in office since 2009, and critics say her government is increasingly authoritarian. — Vidhi Doshi, Washington Post, "138 people killed in 2 months in Bangladesh police crackdown on drug dealers," 12 July 2018 The Republican coalition has grown increasingly authoritarian in its personality outlook. — Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, "The GOP Is Trump’s Personality Cult. Could Democrats Do the Same?," 27 June 2018 His dad was a big man physically, belonged to a motorcycle club, and was authoritarian. — Neil Senturia, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Powerful stories from inmates at TEDx event," 1 Apr. 2018 Protests in Daraa in 2011 against the government's mistreatment of teenage detainees ignited a national revolt against decades of authoritarian rule. — Philip Issa, Fox News, "Syrian rebels agree to give up Daraa, cradle of 2011 revolt," 13 July 2018 Protests in Daraa in 2011 against the government’s mistreatment of teenage detainees ignited a national revolt against decades of authoritarian rule. — Washington Post, "Syrian government raises its flag over cradle of 2011 revolt," 12 July 2018 The reelection in Turkey of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month did little to encourage foreign real-estate investors who have been avoiding the country because of his authoritarian rule. — Maya Sweedler, WSJ, "In Miami, a $300 Million Skyscraper Is Banking On Unrest in Turkey," 10 July 2018 Opposition leaders however framed the elections as a choice between democracy and further authoritarian rule. — Editors, USA TODAY, "World Cup, N.C. transgender battle and more things you need to know Monday," 25 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'authoritarian.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for authoritarian
authoritarian
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of authoritarian
: expecting or requiring people to obey rules or laws : not allowing personal freedom
See the full definition for authoritarian in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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