Synonyms of authoritarian

authoritarian 1 of 2

adjective

ȯ-ˌthȯr-ə-ˈter-ē-ən 

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

• domineering
• arrogant
• autocratic
• authoritative
• despotic
• dictatorial
• tyrannical
• bossy
• aggressive
• overbearing
• tyrannous
• commanding
• proud
• imperious
• masterful
• controlling
• peremptory
• stern
• imperial
• regimental
• supercilious
• important
• high-and-mighty
• superior
• haughty
• uppity
• assumptive
• pretentious
• arbitrary
• disdainful
• presumptuous
• narcissistic
• magisterial
• directorial
• overweening
• assertive
• huffy
• lordly
• high-hat
• omnipotent
• high-handed
• all-powerful
• uppish
• dictating
• lofty
• conceited
• pompous
• highfalutin
• self-asserting
• toplofty
• fastuous
• vain
• imperative
• almighty
• self-assertive
• presuming
• firm

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• humble
• meek
• modest
• obedient
• unassuming
• docile
• amenable
• tractable
• passive
• submissive
• indecisive
• compliant
• irresolute
• yielding
• acquiescent
• resigned

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

• strict
• harsh
• tough
• rigid
• stern
• rigorous
• severe
• hard
• relentless
• merciless
• hardened
• gruff
• austere
• heavy-handed
• flinty
• ramrod
• steadfast
• demanding
• bullying
• hard-line
• callous
• pitiless
• inflexible
• uncompromising
• implacable
• ascetic
• unbending
• adamant
• unforgiving
• uncharitable
• ossified
• unrelenting
• exacting
• stiff
• unyielding
• monastic
• dour
• immovable
• monkish
• unsparing
• determined
• hard-hearted
• adamantine
• obstinate
• intractable
• unflinching
• rock-ribbed
• dogged
• single-minded
• firm
• browbeating
• resolved

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• tolerant
• lenient
• indulgent
• lax
• easy
• forbearing
• mild
• easygoing
• charitable
• patient
• kind
• soft
• merciful
• undemanding
• clement
• accepting
• responsive
• willing
• laid-back
• flexible
• yielding
• softhearted
• compliant
• acquiescent
• agreeable
• pliable
• pliant
• amenable
• complaisant
• compromising

authoritarian

2 of 2

noun

1

as in disciplinarian

Related Words

• disciplinarian
• martinet
• taskmaster
• discipliner
• stickler
• taskmistress
• perfectionist
• purist
• micromanager
• knocker
• faultfinder
• criticizer
• caviler
• censurer
• nitpicker
• disparager
• carper
• hypercritic
• castigator
• niggler

2

as in dictator

Related Words

• dictator
• tyrant
• despot
• overlord
• Caesar
• emperor
• prince
• satrap
• Big Brother
• empress
• führer
• paramount
• suzerain
• sultan
• czar
• mogul
• king
• shah
• emir
• monocrat
• autocrat
• queen
• kaiser
• ruler
• sovereign
• lord
• mikado
• khedive
• potentate
• khan
• monarch
• coruler

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of authoritarian

Adjective

China is, of course, an authoritarian state which has been criticized for maintaining a mass-surveillance system, while Brazil regained democracy in 1985 after two decades of military dictatorship. — Harry Booth, Time, 26 June 2026

In March 2019, Chadwick resigned from Forest Hill under pressure from the church’s Council of Elders and other leaders who complained that his managerial style was too demanding and authoritarian, the Observer reported at the time. — Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026

Noun

Khamenei, 87, who had been in power for more than three decades, was viewed by critics as a repressive authoritarian responsible for the mass murder of thousands of protesters and other human rights abuses. — Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026

Orbán, a far-right authoritarian known for his dismantling of democratic checks and balances and stringent media control, took a mixed approach to climate action throughout his years in power, with his rhetoric often out of line with his actions. — Simmone Shah, Time, 13 Apr. 2026