strongman

noun

strong·​man ˈstrȯŋ-ˌman How to pronounce strongman (audio)
: 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.
Many, however, see the strikes as a warning to Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro, who faces criminal charges in the United States and has a $50 million reward for information that leads to his capture. Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025 With so many governments today led by strongmen—or would-be strongmen—in Africa and beyond, Odinga’s passing is a landmark loss. Ian Bremmer, Time, 22 Oct. 2025 The strongman leader broke precedent to remain head of the party and the state for a third term starting in 2022, and has so far avoided elevating an heir apparent. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025 These links help explain why strongman leaders often use misinformation symbolically to impress and control a population. Abraham Rutchick, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 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 30 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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