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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of authoritarian
Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
ARTnews sat down with Natalia Kaliada and Daniella Kaliada to discuss the upcoming exhibition, the difference between official and unofficial representation at the Biennale, and how the context of the Theatre’s work has changed, as more countries’ governments turn authoritarian and repressive.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Caleb is resistant, but Nahla is not your traditional authoritarian either.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Adjective
Eric Voegelin, a 20th-century political thinker, warned that political messianism often fuels authoritarian rule.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
ARTnews sat down with Natalia Kaliada and Daniella Kaliada to discuss the upcoming exhibition, the difference between official and unofficial representation at the Biennale, and how the context of the Theatre’s work has changed, as more countries’ governments turn authoritarian and repressive.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
But here, such altruistic considerations do not justify capitulating to a lawless authoritarian in the White House.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Caleb is resistant, but Nahla is not your traditional authoritarian either.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritarian
Adjective
-
The new biopic of Jackson from director Antoine Fuqua and the Jackson estate paints the gloved one as the one true victim — a harmless Peter Pan figure whose own childhood was snatched away by a domineering father.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Joseph has a cruel and domineering air about him.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In a fireside chat with Sarah Jones, senior editor of strategic content at Sourcing Journal, Lewkowitz said the industry’s shift toward transparency is no longer optional, but a fundamental requirement for survival in a volatile climate and a stricter regulatory landscape.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
This could also open up the possibility that the organization could punish Sorsby for his gambling actions, given the NCAA has a very strict policy on betting.—
Trey Wallace OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Early in the film, as Joe was assembling the Jackson 5 with Michael and his brothers, Joe is depicted as a harsh disciplinarian who brutally beats young Michael with a belt.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
The other side states calling someone a dictator and all is OK and not hatred.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
-
Throughout his questioning, Corrales repeatedly invoked the experiences of other Latin American countries, describing Moïse as a dictator who was close to drug traffickers.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The series has devolved into a hysteria that the young and arrogant Timberwolves feed on since that first quarter of Game 2.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
-
However, many thought Tilson Thomas too brash and arrogant to lead an orchestra, and, around the same time, Tilson Thomas fell in with New York’s disco-hopping crowd.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Accusations were made, lawsuits were filed, harsh words were spoken and feelings were hurt.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
It’s prized for sculpting a high-definition lip that holds up under the harshest red-carpet lighting.—
Micaela English,
Glamour,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Too much ink has been spilled on the pathological gilding of the Trump White House, but how to explain the attraction of today’s martinets to really dreadfully reproduced Louis Quatorze furniture?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The September murder of the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was close to many in the administration, including Miller, plunged Trump’s already single-minded martinet into a maximalist frenzy.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Lane’s Willy is both a paternal tyrant and a wounded bear, growling if anyone interrupts him yet unable to conceal his soft underbelly.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritarian. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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