Synonyms of authoritarianism

authoritarianism

noun

as in tyranny

a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power

a critical period that saw a number of third-world countries abandon authoritarianism for democracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tyranny
• dictatorship
• fascism
• autocracy
• Communism
• totalitarianism
• despotism
• absolutism
• monarchy
• autarchy
• totalism
• Caesarism
• oppression
• czarism
• Nazism
• monarchism
• domination
• monocracy
• Big Brother
• Big Brotherism

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• democracy
• freedom
• self-government
• self-rule
• self-governance
• autonomy
• sovereignty
• self-determination

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of authoritarianism

The last one was really about the allure of authoritarianism. — J. Kim Murphy, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2026

But our survey respondents’ subsequent shift toward national identity, coupled with a further decline in mosque attendance, suggest that Erdogan’s turn toward authoritarianism may have intensified an ongoing trend toward liberalization. — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

Critics see a once-lively multiethnic crossroads suffocated by Chinese authoritarianism. — David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2026

Deploying government agencies without regard for facts or consequences is, of course, a hallmark of authoritarianism. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

There have been great inequalities, great challenges, authoritarianism, fascism in the past, and people stand up against it. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

Drawing on authoritarianism scholars, the piece contends that linking criticism of Trump to hostility toward America can stigmatize dissent and make opponents appear to be enemies of the country. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Like much else in Guatemala, the colossal, mint-green presidential palace where Arévalo sat down with me is a holdover from a bygone era of authoritarianism. — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026

The Oscar winner took a walk down memory lane to detail how many artists and collaborators lifted him up on his journey while also taking aim at authoritarianism. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026