theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈä-krə-sē 

plural theocracies

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

Iran is a theocracy where unelected religious leaders hold massive power. —Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026

The short answer is that Iran does not have any clear heir apparent, and that any transition away from the Islamic theocracy that has ruled for nearly 50 years is unlikely to be straightforward. —Peter Nicholas, NBC news, 18 Jan. 2026

Khamenei presides over a vast power structure of officials who have much to lose from the fall of the theocracy. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 17 Jan. 2026

An internet blackout continues in Iran as authorities seek to stifle demonstrations that began over economic issues but evolved into challenges to the theocracy. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek theokratia, from the- + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for theocracy

• autocracy
• bureaucracy
• democracy
• hypocrisy
• plutocracy
• aristocracy
• meritocracy

Kids Definition

theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈäk-rə-sē 

plural theocracies

1

: government of a country by officials believed to have divine guidance

2

: a country governed by a theocracy