as in tyrant
a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way
the despot exiled political dissidents to remote labor camps, where they were left to rot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of despot
The despot’s dilemma Iran’s cameras have been repeatedly hacked over the past few years.
—
Dake Kang, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Thus, to be real peace-makers, whether Christian or not, responsible leaders need to be aware that the approach of pacifism often paves the way for dictators and despots to inflict more and more violence.
—Bill Keane, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
Despite his progressive views, he was widely seen as an authoritarian and a despot.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
These despots will continue to lash out at America.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despot
Dake Kang, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Thus, to be real peace-makers, whether Christian or not, responsible leaders need to be aware that the approach of pacifism often paves the way for dictators and despots to inflict more and more violence.
—Bill Keane, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
Despite his progressive views, he was widely seen as an authoritarian and a despot.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
These despots will continue to lash out at America.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despot
Noun
-
And while Cathy has always been a famous beauty, Pugh is looking almost unreasonably chic as the arguable tyrant/Satan analog.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
-
To add to the second-hand embarrassment, a gaudy amusement park proves a vital part of Homelander’s plan—after all, fascists and tyrants tend to have bad taste.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Bolstered by his military campaign in Morocco, Franco went on to lead Nationalist forces to victory in the Spanish Civil War, followed by a near 40-year rule as dictator.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
16 May 2026
-
The first Eurovision boycott was in 1969 — ironically, by Austria, which refused to send a delegation to Spain under dictator Francisco Franco.—
Jill Lawless,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despot. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
