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
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
Another totalitarianism, so recently an ally, was already on the march.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
While the Russian government has taken steps in the past to acknowledge the culpability of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin and his regime, some Russian-language commentators see the display as a massive step back toward denying the crimes of totalitarianism.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2026
American freedom was the antidote to the icy grip of totalitarianism, whether from Nazis or Communists.
—Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
Jury President Wim Wenders praised the film for its portrait of life under totalitarianism saying the story would chime with and serve as a wakeup call for people all over the world.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for totalitarianism
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Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
While the Russian government has taken steps in the past to acknowledge the culpability of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin and his regime, some Russian-language commentators see the display as a massive step back toward denying the crimes of totalitarianism.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2026
American freedom was the antidote to the icy grip of totalitarianism, whether from Nazis or Communists.
—Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
Jury President Wim Wenders praised the film for its portrait of life under totalitarianism saying the story would chime with and serve as a wakeup call for people all over the world.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for totalitarianism
Cite this Entry
“Totalitarianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totalitarianism. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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