1
as in domineering
fond of ordering people around
grew up with an authoritarian older sister who thought she was queen of the world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
an authoritarian coach who runs football practice like it's boot camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in disciplinarian
Related Words
2
as in dictator
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of authoritarian
Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Carrie Kahn, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, the nationalist Kuomintang that came into Taiwan were not terribly well received by the local population, many of whom were hoping for independence and resisted a Chinese nationalist, authoritarian takeover.
—Meredith Oyen, The Conversation, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Adjective
Guard won’t be deployed ‘indefinitely’ Trump’s use of the National Guard in Washington, DC and Los Angeles has led to some Democrats calling him an authoritarian.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
In an interview with NPR Eduardo Bolsonaro claimed his father is a victim of judicial overreach that has turned Brazil into an authoritarian dictatorship.
—Carrie Kahn, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, the nationalist Kuomintang that came into Taiwan were not terribly well received by the local population, many of whom were hoping for independence and resisted a Chinese nationalist, authoritarian takeover.
—Meredith Oyen, The Conversation, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritarian
Adjective
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Also in the cast: Emmy winner Laurie Metcalfe, as Augusta Gein, the murderer's religious, domineering mother; Tom Hollander as director Alfred Hitchcock; Olivia Williams as the filmmaker's wife, Alma Reville Hitchcock; and Lesley Manville, as Gein's second murder victim, Bernice Worden.—
Chris Foran,
jsonline.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Cappellazzo could be domineering.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Neville said he's noticed many boutique and family-run hotels, especially in high-demand spots like Dubrovnik, Prague, and Santorini, booking out earlier than ever, requiring full deposits up front, and enforcing strict cancellation policies.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Jackets, ties, nylons and shoulder pads made a comeback, all in strict adherence to a dress code that hadn't been revised in decades.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Mitevska also refuses to sanctify Mother Teresa more than necessary, instead portraying her as a strict disciplinarian who believed in organizational practicality as much as in the inherent holiness of children.—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
27 Aug. 2025
-
By several accounts, Xi was a ferocious disciplinarian.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Xi was flanked by Putin and Kim, two brutal and aggressive dictators whom many nations would rather shun.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, Cawthorn’s fascination with German dictator Adolf Hitler was well-documented on his social media accounts, and his opponents tried to use that against him in the general election.—
Danielle Battaglia,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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These early years emphasized goofiness, offensiveness, and mocking arrogant celebrities who pushed their platforms at award shows.—
Chris Yogerst,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Aug. 2025
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The announcement was made during a backstage segment involving NXT General Manager Ava and the arrogant superstar Lexis King.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The once-beloved pastels will become harsh.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
6 Sep. 2025
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The pilgrimage, listed on the official calendar of jubilee events, comes as gay Catholics look to Pope Leo XIV to continue down the bold path of his predecessor to welcome into the church a group that has in the past faced alienation and sometimes harsh treatment.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But Muir’s co-moderator, Linsey Davis, was a different case: Davis wore a mannish, gray suit jacket and struck a pose of martinet — almost schoolmarmish — solemnity.—
Armond White,
National Review,
20 Sep. 2024
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There’s Cece’s father, long vanished; Ronnie, a predator; Marcel, a martinet; Joel, a manipulator; and a random catcaller in the street, whom Cece sends scurrying away by turning her acting skills to practical use.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
12 June 2024
Noun
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So, the politicians must do more than push back against the White House tyrant.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
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And while the band's frontman Freddie Mercury only made it into his 40s, the song's question continues to haunt people—especially aging tyrants who fear that the icy hand of death is upon their shoulder and want far more time to ensure both national and personal glory.—
Nate Anderson,
ArsTechnica,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritarian. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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