ABSOLUTISM Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

absolutism

noun

ˈab-sə-ˌlü-ˌti-zəm

Definition of absolutism

as in tyranny

a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power concerning absolutism Lord Acton famously observed that "absolute power corrupts absolutely"

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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 absolutism People fall somewhere along the continuum between moral absolutism (the belief that right and wrong are objective and universal) and moral relativism (the belief that right and wrong is context-dependent). — Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026 Iran’s ruling system is often described in political terms, but critics and former insiders say its core is far more radical — a belief structure rooted in religious absolutism, messianic expectation and a worldview that leaves little room for compromise. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026 Advice or even just notions—only check email after noon; never do 10 reps of crunches—solidify into absolutism or vanish. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026 So the same establishment that had once helped push a Qajar shah toward constitutionalism helped pull a Pahlavi shah back from exile and back into absolutism. — Bobby Ghosh, Time, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absolutism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for absolutism

Noun

But, as Roy points out, finding love with Ellen actually gives Brian the strength to stand up to Lovat’s tyranny rather than bow to it.

— Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Lawmakers from Fidesz and its coalition party, the Christian Democrats, did not take part in Monday’s vote, calling the charges against their lawmakers political tyranny by Magyar’s government.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of tyranny

Noun

Several of Flávio Bolsonaro’s proposals also warrant close scrutiny, including his pledge to rewrite Brazil’s 1988 Constitution, which marked the end of military dictatorship and the restoration of democracy in the country.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
In 1981, with the end of the civil-military dictatorship on the near horizon, Piero planned his return to Argentina, stopping in Uruguay first.

— Humphrey Inzillo, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of dictatorship

Noun

Through the character of Señorita Rio, Renée was able to combat fascism and showcase fabulous fashion.

— Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Many immigrants who arrived in the United States from Europe, including some Italians who came during the two years between Mussolini’s March on Rome and the passage of the Immigration Act of 1924, left Italy because of the rise of fascism.

— Ed Simon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of fascism

Noun

The nation which will not adopt an equilibrium of power must adopt a despotism.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
His dream was nothing less than a new reality, a hopeful future free of despotism, ruled by equality and liberty, rather than kings and queens.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

Definition of despotism

Noun

Brazil has neither the concentrated authority of an autocracy nor democratic institutions strong enough to serve the same function.

— MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
International experts have denounced President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s repression of the opposition and push to eliminate term limits as worrisome turns toward autocracy.

— Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of autocracy

Noun

Deploying government agencies without regard for facts or consequences is, of course, a hallmark of authoritarianism.

— Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
There have been great inequalities, great challenges, authoritarianism, fascism in the past, and people stand up against it.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of authoritarianism

Noun

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

Definition of totalitarianism

Browse Nearby Words

absolutions

absolutism

absolve

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“Absolutism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolutism. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of absolutism

noun

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