strongman

noun

strong·​man ˈstrȯŋ-ˌman 

: one who leads or controls by force of will and character or by military methods

Synonyms of strongman

• dictator
• tyrant

Examples of strongman in a Sentence

a Latin-American strongman who basically treated his nation's coffers as his personal bank account

Recent Examples on the Web

In his opening statement, Paul painted Fauci as the strongman behind key pandemic decisions, using his influence to justify them. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 29 July 2026

The courtroom pleasantries represented a dramatic comedown for a strongman who once ruled Venezuela from a fortified presidential compound. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026

Likewise, bullying commands are unlikely to resonate in a party not trained to follow a strongman. — Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

The cross was not meant to be a stage prop for strongmen. — Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for strongman

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman
• flagman