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

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

Interesting, too, how the project’s warnings about Russian totalitarianism, particularly stark in DAU. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Visual artist and historian Ranfis Suárez Ramos highlighted the importance of internet access for Cubans as a way to break the hold of totalitarianism. — Sarah Moreno june 5, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026

His parents’ experience living under totalitarianism shaped his outlook on the world. — Iris Kwok may 12, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 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