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 of tyrannical

• oppressive
• arbitrary
• authoritarian
• autocratic
• despotic
• dictatorial

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

The bony villain is a warlock who stole the throne of Eternia from King Randor and now rules it with a tyrannical fist. —Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026

Independence for the 13 colonies was in the interest of anyone, anywhere, who believed the only remedy for tyrannical authority was for people to govern themselves. —Michael Kazin, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026

However, to embrace his destiny Adam must become He-Man, return to his home planet, reclaim the Sword of Power and save his people from the tyrannical Skeletor. —Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026

And intrusion by Sacramento lawmakers is nothing short of tyrannical. —Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 30 May 2026

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