ABSOLUTISTIC 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

And Ric Salinas, who plays Chachalacani, humorously obliges, bringing his Culture Clash vaudeville skills to the role of the sentry who’s caught between the rock of Klion’s tyranny and his fellow feeling for Antíkona’s sympathetic cause.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Focus Features has the Andrew Garfield period movie The Uprising from Paul Greengrass which is based on the legend of Robin Hood in his crusade against King Richard II’s tyranny.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of tyranny

Noun

In those years many Latin American countries had repressive governments, military coups, dictatorships, and undeclared wars against the poor and the indigenous population, which were backed by the CIA in the context of the Cold War.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
In Peru under dictatorship, two of three long-time lovers marry for appearances but flee from their conservative rural community for the capital after their secret is exposed by the third.

— Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of dictatorship

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

This would eventually lead to the overthrow of the tsarist autocracy and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
But each case demands attention from European and British police and intelligence agencies, which are already dealing with a range of similar threats from other autocracies such as China and Russia.

— Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of autocracy

Noun

The Oscar winner took a walk down memory lane to detail how many artists and collaborators lifted him up on his journey while also taking aim at authoritarianism.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
The thing needed, even in the days of galloping authoritarianism, is to cut the Court down to size.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 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

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absolutions

absolutism

absolve

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“Absolutism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absolutism. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of absolutism

noun

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