as in ruler
one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority
European autocrats once commonly believed that they had received the right to rule directly from God
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Recent Examples of autocrat
These autocrats have watched and learned as Erdoğan has scapegoated various rival groups in his country, branding them shadowy forces unleashed by the American philanthropist George Soros.
—
Kaya Genç, The Dial, 3 Feb. 2026
The book examines the worst acts of autocrats and tyrannical leaders dating back centuries.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
The central question is whether the rise of autocrats is reversible.
—Max Hastings, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
The strategic logic mirrors survival patterns of past regional autocrats.
—Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autocrat
Kaya Genç, The Dial, 3 Feb. 2026
The book examines the worst acts of autocrats and tyrannical leaders dating back centuries.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
The central question is whether the rise of autocrats is reversible.
—Max Hastings, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
The strategic logic mirrors survival patterns of past regional autocrats.
—Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autocrat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autocrat
Noun
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Many of the opportunities available were in projects that supported the state’s narrative — from historical dramas valorizing medieval Hindu rulers, to biopics in praise of its leaders.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
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Gwanghwamun is the gate of the former palace of Sejong the Great, the game-changing 15th-century Joseon ruler who created the Korean alphabet.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Author Hugo Vickers writes in his new book Queen Elizabeth II, out in April, that the monarch did not believe the allegations against her son, which may go some way to explaining why stronger action was not taken against the former prince until after her death.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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At earlier periods of history, the role used to involve giving political advice to the monarch.—
Robbie Griffiths,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Autocrat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autocrat. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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