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
Synonyms of authoritarian
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
Iraq is still an authoritarian state governed by political parties with deep institutional ties to Tehran.
—
Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
It is regularly cited by experts as a key influence on the character and development of the new regime in Iran, helping embed its particular fusion of clerical supremacy and authoritarian nationalism.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026
The authoritarian regime has brutally oppressed the people of Iran for generations.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
Or think of how extreme weather can disrupt voting access, creating real and perceived grievances that are fertile ground for authoritarian interference in elections.
—Michael Chertoff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
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.
Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
It is regularly cited by experts as a key influence on the character and development of the new regime in Iran, helping embed its particular fusion of clerical supremacy and authoritarian nationalism.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026
The authoritarian regime has brutally oppressed the people of Iran for generations.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
Or think of how extreme weather can disrupt voting access, creating real and perceived grievances that are fertile ground for authoritarian interference in elections.
—Michael Chertoff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritarian. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
