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
El Sistema was founded decades before Hugo Chavez came to power in a populist revolution that quickly turned authoritarian. — Max Feliu, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle decried the idea as beneath American values and akin to public executions in authoritarian nations, such as Iran and North Korea. — Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 14 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 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
  • Catholics have used Scripture to argue for and against deportations and strict immigration enforcement.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • But the country also has strict rules governing how minors should be treated during a criminal investigation.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 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
  • Ali Abdullah Saleh, the longtime dictator of Yemen, was overthrown during the Arab Spring and the Houthis were able to seize a large chunk of territory.
    — Ariana Aspuru, Vox, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Without principle, without a moral compass, with no checks and balances, our would-be-dictator is an embarrassing stain on the soul of a once-proud America.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of dictator
Adjective
  • Ever-sensible Elinor, who never asks for much, has already met, and fallen for, Edward Ferrars (George MacKay), Fanny’s brother, as kind and modest as Fanny is arrogant.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Hal and Kate, having misread Trowbridge’s shock and dismay at the tragic death of Austin Dennison as a worse-than-usual bit of arrogant posturing, switch to Bad Cop mode.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • However, perovskites are notoriously vulnerable to moisture and harsh chemical environments, posing a clear problem in seawater.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • With another harsh winter approaching, those still there face death from hunger or disease.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 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
  • 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
  • Plato warned that an unhealthy democracy can easily fall prey to a tyrant.
    — Kenneth Michael White, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 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 25 Oct. 2026.

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