tyrannical

adjective

ty·​ran·​ni·​cal tə-ˈra-ni-kəl 

tī-

variants or less commonly tyrannic

tə-ˈra-nik 

tī-

: being or characteristic of a tyrant or tyranny : despotic

tyrannical rule

a tyrannical ruler

tyrannically

tə-ˈra-ni-k(ə-)lē 

tī-

adverb

tyrannicalness

tə-ˈra-ni-kəl-nəs 

tī-

noun

Synonyms

• absolute
• arbitrary
• autocratic
• autocratical
• czarist
• tsarist
• tzarist
• despotic
• dictatorial
• monocratic
• tyrannous

Examples of tyrannical in a Sentence

Everyone was afraid of their overbearing and tyrannical boss.

a tyrannical ruler whose terrible reign was marked by unceasing violence

Recent Examples on the Web

Coupled with his hateful rhetoric, threats, lies, erratic policies, trampling of the Constitution and abnormal fascination with childish superlatives, tyrannical figures and Soviet-era style military parades, there’s much to be concerned about. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025

The Wolves rose up and defeated the tyrannical FEDRA, forcing them to abandon the quarantine zone. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

That film focused on the 10th annual Hunger Games, which takes place decades before Snow becomes the tyrannical leader of Panem. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025

However, as Dunson’s leadership grows increasingly tyrannical, Matt is forced to challenge him, leading to an intense power struggle on the open frontier. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin tyrannicus, from Greek tyrannikos, from tyrannos tyrant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tyrannical

• botanical
• brahmanical
• mechanical
• biomechanical
• thermomechanical
• electromechanical
• panicle
• puritanical

Kids Definition

tyrannical

adjective

ty·​ran·​ni·​cal tə-ˈran-i-kəl 

tī-

variants also tyrannic

-ˈran-ik 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a tyrant or tyranny

a tyrannical ruler

tyrannical rule

tyrannically

-ˈran-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb