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
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Recent Examples of authoritarianism
Rent it on most major platforms Forbidden to enter the stadium, several Iranian women sneak in dressed as men to watch a World Cup qualifying match in the master director Jafar Panahi’s movie about everyday defiance under authoritarianism.
—
Carlos Aguilar,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2026
The handmaids’ crimson robes evolved into protest iconography around the world because the story captured fears about authoritarianism and gender more viscerally than overt political messaging ever could.
—
Marc Adelman,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
Over the past 50 years, summits have led to promotion of free trade, cooperation in combating infectious diseases and a concerted, effective counter to authoritarianism around the world.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
Other World Cup tournaments were far from flawless, from the authoritarianism of Russia in 2018 and the human rights concerns of Qatar in 2022, right back to the tournaments held under Mussolini’s Italy in 1934 and Argentina’s junta in 1978.
—
Abigail Williams,
NBC news,
10 June 2026
Similar charges were leveled against several other rival candidates ahead of the election, spurring accusations of authoritarianism and corruption against Pashinyan’s government.
—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 June 2026
The author became a prominent voice on exile, women's freedom and authoritarianism, frequently using her public platform to denounce repression in Iran.
—
Hugo Lhomedet,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
This is the way authoritarianism substitutes for democracy – slowly and incrementally, until the whole system suddenly tips over.
—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
2 June 2026
With the country engulfed in flames, the conservative government maintained itself through repression and authoritarianism.
—
Roberto Andrés,
The Dial,
28 May 2026
Carlos Aguilar,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2026
The handmaids’ crimson robes evolved into protest iconography around the world because the story captured fears about authoritarianism and gender more viscerally than overt political messaging ever could.
—
Marc Adelman,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
Over the past 50 years, summits have led to promotion of free trade, cooperation in combating infectious diseases and a concerted, effective counter to authoritarianism around the world.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
Other World Cup tournaments were far from flawless, from the authoritarianism of Russia in 2018 and the human rights concerns of Qatar in 2022, right back to the tournaments held under Mussolini’s Italy in 1934 and Argentina’s junta in 1978.
—
Abigail Williams,
NBC news,
10 June 2026
Similar charges were leveled against several other rival candidates ahead of the election, spurring accusations of authoritarianism and corruption against Pashinyan’s government.
—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 June 2026
The author became a prominent voice on exile, women's freedom and authoritarianism, frequently using her public platform to denounce repression in Iran.
—
Hugo Lhomedet,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
This is the way authoritarianism substitutes for democracy – slowly and incrementally, until the whole system suddenly tips over.
—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
2 June 2026
With the country engulfed in flames, the conservative government maintained itself through repression and authoritarianism.
—
Roberto Andrés,
The Dial,
28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritarianism
Noun
-
For every Founding Father looking to free the colonies from British tyranny, there was a Larry (often called Lawrence here) who suggests that sharing desserts and umbrellas should be prohibited by the Declaration of Independence.
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In Shiite communities, Ashoura is viewed as a symbol of struggle against injustice and tyranny.
Noun
-
Building tension gave way to war in 1982, when Argentina, then under a brutal dictatorship, sent a military expedition to the islands.
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Public anger over Chun’s dictatorship led to massive nationwide protests in 1987, forcing him to accept a constitutional revision introducing direct presidential elections, which is widely seen as the start of South Korea’s transition to democracy.
Noun
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This book keeps my feet on the ground and my heart connected to the greater pulse suffering under late-stage capitalism and fascism.
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Through blood-curdling howls and rants about fascism, fraud, and fighting to understand your identity, Truck Violence push through ugliness to find something more unaltered and real.
Noun
-
The good ones who are trying to carefully transition a country from democracy to autocracy don't do it overnight.
-
Once in office, Putin installed Vadim as an adviser to help consolidate his administration into an autocracy responsible for the suppression of civil liberties, for wars in Chechnya and Ukraine, and for a campaign of disinformation and interference in Western democracies.
Noun
-
Visual artist and historian Ranfis Suárez Ramos highlighted the importance of internet access for Cubans as a way to break the hold of totalitarianism.
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His parents’ experience living under totalitarianism shaped his outlook on the world.
Noun
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The nation which will not adopt an equilibrium of power must adopt a despotism.
-
His dream was nothing less than a new reality, a hopeful future free of despotism, ruled by equality and liberty, rather than kings and queens.
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritarianism. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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