strongman

noun

strong·​man ˈstrȯŋ-ˌman How to pronounce strongman (audio)
Synonyms of strongmannext
: one who leads or controls by force of will and character or by military methods

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
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.
Some believe the ouster of strongman leader Nicolás Maduro offers a glimmer of hope for rebuilding institutions and guaranteeing citizens’ rights. Cnn 9 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026 His statements come after Trump moved to cut oil supply to the country and urged Cuban leaders to strike a deal, following the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro. Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 That eye-popping price looked less like an investment and more like a hefty tribute offered up to a corrupt strongman. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026 The perception that Maduro gave away oil to keep himself in power has made some Venezuelans more comfortable with the idea of giving oil to America, the country that got rid of the strongman. The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strongman

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of strongman was in 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Strongman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strongman. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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