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

Meanwhile, Democrats are strongly opposed to the kind of corrupt authoritarian government that Republicans seem unwilling to even speak out against. — Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Many international scholars have described Mao as an authoritarian leader, pointing to his centralized rule, political purges, and aggressive state campaigns, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 28 Oct. 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