dictatorial

adjective

dic·​ta·​to·​ri·​al ˌdik-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or befitting a dictator

dictatorial power

b

: ruled by a dictator

2

: oppressive to or arrogantly overbearing toward others

dictatorially

ˌdik-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-ə-lē 

adverb

dictatorialness noun

Synonyms of dictatorial

• authoritarian
• oppressive
• arbitrary
• autocratic
• despotic
• tyrannical

Choose the Right Synonym for dictatorial

dictatorial, magisterial, dogmatic, doctrinaire, oracular mean imposing one's will or opinions on others.

dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Examples of dictatorial in a Sentence

He was given dictatorial powers.

a dictatorial leader with total control over people's lives

Recent Examples on the Web

The group parted ways after a 1967 European tour, in part due to Phil Spector’s increasingly dictatorial oversight of their releases. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026

Leavitt also pointed to rhetoric from Democrats and others in the media, claiming that their rhetoric accusing the president of being a dictatorial figure contributed to an environment that inspired political violence. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026

The upper ranks of the dictatorial regime’s leadership have been decimated. —Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026

Aggressive, a bit dictatorial’. —Andy Mitten, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin dictātōrius "of a dictator" (derivative of dictātor dictator) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for dictatorial

• arboreal
• armorial
• authorial
• factorial
• manorial
• memorial
• pictorial
• sartorial
• sectorial
• tutorial
• vectorial
• ambassadorial