theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈä-krə-sē How to pronounce theocracy (audio)
plural theocracies
Synonyms of theocracynext
1
: government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided
2
: a state governed by a theocracy

Examples of theocracy in a Sentence

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.
In the past, Iran’s theocracy has undercounted or not reported fatalities from unrest. Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 Iran’s leaders know this is an existential moment for their survival and theocracy, and will continue to prioritise that over all else. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026 Economic woes sparked the protests, which broadened into a challenge to the theocracy before the crackdown, which activists say has killed at least 6,443 people. Sam McNeil and Jon Gambrell The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026 Rigney is an ally of the influential Christian nationalist Douglas Wilson, who thinks giving women the right to vote was a mistake and advocates turning the United States into a theocracy. Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theocracy

Word History

Etymology

Greek theokratia, from the- + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theocracy was circa 1631

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Cite this Entry

“Theocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theocracy. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

theocracy

noun
the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈäk-rə-sē How to pronounce theocracy (audio)
plural theocracies
1
: government of a country by officials believed to have divine guidance
2
: a country governed by a theocracy

More from Merriam-Webster on theocracy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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