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

Related Words

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
The data shows that democracies are overrepresented at the World Cup and also tend to do better than authoritarian nations – but does that matter? — John A. Tures, Fortune, 19 July 2026 Laos is an authoritarian one-party communist state that tightly controls information. — ABC News, 17 July 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 Maduro — a left-wing authoritarian who ruled Venezuela for more than a decade while ignoring election results — was not just another foreign dictator. — Dustin Olson, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 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
  • That’s a little too farcical for the moment, and the final cut lands more in a place of domineering intrigue.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026
  • His domineering physical appearance coupled with his goofy online persona have contributed to the craze.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026
Definition of domineering
Adjective
  • Newer, stricter regulations for asylum seekers and migrants largely replaced the previous migration system, which was widely considered a failure.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The final compromise included strict new budget caps that have helped generate unprecedented surpluses averaging more than 8% of the annual budget.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 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
  • Their former leaders have been removed, and they’re now being run by a gay dictator facing internal divisions.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The deposed dictator smiled, greeted court personnel, and shook hands with lawyers after entering the courtroom, according to the Associated Press.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026
Definition of dictator
Adjective
  • Odysseus is a complex character known for being brilliant and crafty, but also being somewhat of an arrogant trickster.
    — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
  • Under normal conditions, someone who’s bossy or pushy can come across as arrogant and annoying.
    — Matthew Pittman, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • In both premise and execution, the show is hugely reminiscent of the Showtime series of the aughts and early 2010s that featured women in harsh circumstances going to extremes in order to get one over on a society that didn’t care about them.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Although he would not be drawn on future product pricing, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set for release in September and will be affected by the harsh trading conditions.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 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
  • However, his team describes Fred as a tyrant, who is uncaring and belligerent and micro-manages everything.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • In his fullest public argument yet about his thinking, Thiel and co-author Sam Wolfe write the figure of ultimate evil is best understood not as a monster or a tyrant but as a technocrat.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 18 July 2026
Definition of tyrant

Browse Nearby Words

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 4 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of authoritarian for Spanish Speakers

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