authoritarian
adjective
au·thor·i·tar·i·an
ȯ-ˌthȯr-ə-ˈter-ē-ən 
ə-,
-ˌthär-
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
authoritarian
noun
Examples of authoritarian in a Sentence
grew up with an authoritarian older sister who thought she was queen of the world
an authoritarian coach who runs football practice like it's boot camp
Recent Examples on the Web
Throughout the history of the United States, immigrants have come here to escape authoritarian governments.
—
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
The footage revealed a New York City under siege by Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio) and his new authoritarian regime.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Jorgen Watne Frydens, the Nobel Committee chair, spoke broadly about the advance of authoritarian regimes in the world and retreat of democracy in the announcement.
—Jon Haworth, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025
The Nobel Peace Prize is often awarded to activists and political figures who lead struggles against authoritarian regimes, recognizing their perseverance and encouraging their cause.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
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Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
The footage revealed a New York City under siege by Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio) and his new authoritarian regime.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Jorgen Watne Frydens, the Nobel Committee chair, spoke broadly about the advance of authoritarian regimes in the world and retreat of democracy in the announcement.
—Jon Haworth, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025
The Nobel Peace Prize is often awarded to activists and political figures who lead struggles against authoritarian regimes, recognizing their perseverance and encouraging their cause.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritarian. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
authoritarian
adjective
au·thor·i·tar·i·an
ȯ-ˌthär-ə-ˈter-ē-ən
ə-,
-ˌthȯr-
1
: expecting strict obedience to one's authority
had authoritarian parents
2
: based on the principle that the leaders and not the people have the final authority
an authoritarian state
authoritarian
noun
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