authoritarian 1 of 2

adjective

ȯ-ˌthȯr-ə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce authoritarian (audio)
Definition of authoritariannext
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

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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

authoritarian

2 of 2

noun

1
as in disciplinarian

Related Words
2
as in dictator

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Example Sentences

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 authoritarian
Adjective
It was seen as a reflection of a sense of solidarity that swept the country following 14 years of Vucic's authoritarian rule. — ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026 His conservative and authoritarian father, Ludwig, raised his only child to revere the monarchy and take pride in their country’s achievements. — David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
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 Khomeini was a leader of opposition to the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, an authoritarian who wanted to modernize the country. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritarian
  1. domineering
  2. strict
  3. disciplinarian
  4. dictator
  5. arrogant
  6. harsh
  7. martinet
  8. tyrant
Adjective
  • Lee recognizes the potential for that in the servant and chooses not to do these things, or at least not do them in a domineering or self-serving way.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Sources said Gunning plays Annie, a quietly dutiful wife who has sacrificed her ambitions to raise four sons under her domineering husband, Duncan.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of domineering
Adjective
  • There’s no doubt that there are wasteful contracts and bloated salaries to be cut, but not even the strictest economizing could absorb that much without serious danger to public health and safety.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Democrats made high power bills, clean energy and stricter scrutiny of data center contracts the focus on their races.
    — Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of strict
Noun
  • During his time with the Yankees, Mendoza was known as a disciplinarian behind the scenes, but the team loved and respected his hard coaching.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • You are asked to be teachers, counselors, social workers, disciplinarians, mentors, advocates, crisis managers and emotional anchors for children navigating an increasingly complicated world.
    — Susana A. Mendoza, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Definition of disciplinarian
Noun
  • The United States is slow-walking a democratic process that should have started in January, the day after an American military operation extracted dictator Nicolás Maduro.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Of course, the situation was made complicated last month when On’s newest ambassador and face of its new football line Kylian Mbappé laughed at a meme of his face on Mao Zedong’s body and referred to the former leader as a dictator.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of dictator
Adjective
  • Except Moe is nice, caring, and talented, while Matt is arrogant, unpleasant, and, at the beginning of the episode, belligerently drunk.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
  • El-Sayed didn’t win himself any favors with an arrogant acceptance speech delivered without a shred of grace.
    — Kaitlyn Buss, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • Martha Stewart is asking Americans for forgiveness after her Halloween costume drew harsh criticism.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Held without charge, al-Sakani says he was subjected to harsh conditions, including sleep deprivation, inadequate medical care and the withholding of medication.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of harsh
Noun
  • His chief antagonist is his caustic first wife, Queen Marguerite (Joy DeMichelle), who operates as a kind of a martinet death doula.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of martinet
Noun
  • The piece, by the Bay Area duo BSisters (Behnaz and Baharak Khaleghi), riffs on the myth of Zahāk — a vain tyrant with snakes around his head that eat human brains to keep him alive.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • He got obsessed with building an empire, started Solar Productions, and became a tyrant both on set and off.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of tyrant

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authoring
authoritarian
authoritarianism
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Cite this Entry

“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritarian. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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