totalitarianism

noun

to·​tal·​i·​tar·​i·​an·​ism (ˌ)tō-ˌta-lə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm 

1

: centralized control by an autocratic authority

2

: the political concept that the citizen should be totally subject to an absolute state authority

Synonyms of totalitarianism

• tyranny
• fascism
• dictatorship
• Communism
• authoritarianism

Examples of totalitarianism in a Sentence

in times of crisis, when a nation's people are frightened, there are often calls for totalitarianism

Recent Examples on the Web

Democracy versus corruption and oligarchical totalitarianism is the one and only point. — Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

But this approach provides only symptomatic relief to the overarching and insoluble crisis produced by his totalitarianism. — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026

Reflecting on the Second World War, Hannah Arendt suggested that totalitarianism takes root in societies where lots of people feel unnecessary or unwanted. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026

Most often, socialism morphs into totalitarianism, as its egalitarian ideals are no match for human nature. — Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for totalitarianism

• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism
• consequentialism
• contextualism
• conventionalism