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
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in dictator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of authoritarian
ArsTechnica, 6 May 2025
History is quite clear about one thing: the path back from authoritarian government is not an easy one.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
But the authoritarian government of Nayib Bukele, the leader of El Salvador, said no, two of the people said.
—Michael S. Schmidt, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
To his critics, his centralization of power and ruthless purge of opponents put Malaysia on an authoritarian trajectory.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Adjective
The headwinds were already looking unfavorable for Tesla even before CEO Elon Musk threw his lot in with Donald Trump and his authoritarian makeover of the US government.
—ArsTechnica, 6 May 2025
History is quite clear about one thing: the path back from authoritarian government is not an easy one.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
But the authoritarian government of Nayib Bukele, the leader of El Salvador, said no, two of the people said.
—Michael S. Schmidt, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
To his critics, his centralization of power and ruthless purge of opponents put Malaysia on an authoritarian trajectory.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritarian
Adjective
-
The trial had revealed Blue Cross’ domineering behavior.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
12 Apr. 2025
-
As mild-mannered schoolteacher Mr. Lisbon, James Woods plays a quiet counterpoint to his domineering wife.—
Sezin Devi Koehler,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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By pinpointing high-privilege users and monitoring data-sharing behaviors, Reco assists CISOs in implementing stricter access controls.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
-
Until May 24, stars attending premieres and other events sprinkled throughout the festival grounds will have to follow the organization's notoriously strict outfit guidelines, which appear to have only gotten tighter.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
12 May 2025
Noun
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Either way, Columbia could more easily identify the protesters, much to the advantage of disciplinarians looking to move fast.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2025
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Both were industrious strivers at work and strict disciplinarians at home.—
Danielle Amir Jackson,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Syrian rebels overthrew dictator Bashar al Assad in December.—
Tom Perry,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Libya has been embroiled in a political conflict since long-time dictator Moammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011, leading to the emergence of several armed groups.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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For example, when a man in his sixties talks about the same thing, he’s seen as calm and logical, but when a woman in her twenties talks about it, she’s seen as arrogant or trying to act mature.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
15 May 2025
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By losing some of its arrogant charm, Doom has also lost the means to back it up.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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This garment gets exposed to harsher conditions than most clothing.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
-
From adorable accents to cozy touches, drivers are increasingly looking for ways to make their commutes and grocery runs just a bit more enjoyable—perhaps to offset the harsh reality of gas prices (and everything else).—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 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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The Soviet dictator, the Man of Steel, was the type of tyrant that Trump chillingly admires.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2025
-
Roman became too much of a tyrant to continue working with, and Jimmy turned on him for fear of being overshadowed.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritarian. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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