1
as in domineering
fond of ordering people around
grew up with an authoritarian older sister who thought she was queen of the world
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in disciplinarian
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2
as in dictator
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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As mild-mannered schoolteacher Mr. Lisbon, James Woods plays a quiet counterpoint to his domineering wife.—
Sezin Devi Koehler,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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Among them towers the frighteningly domineering Honoria Glossop.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
18 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
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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
Adjective
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The targets of Trump’s economic aggression will accept greater hardship to preserve their dignity than American voters will for the privilege of acting like arrogant menaces.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
29 Apr. 2025
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This feud carries on today, with Hogan having called out Hart for being too arrogant.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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More precipitation in these locations could make up for the harsh cold season.—
Jordan-Marie Smith,
NPR,
11 May 2025
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Avoid harsh products: Soaps, lotions, and products with fragrance, alcohol, or dyes can dry out the skin and worsen atopic dermatitis.—
Health,
Health,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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In some cases, strongmen crave popular support, so the popular will can sustains autocratic stability.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
1 May 2025
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Jam Sta Rosa/AFP via Getty Images Threatening to strip licenses from TV news broadcasters Journalist Maria Ressa says Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines' autocratic former president, used similar tactics.—
Frank Langfitt,
NPR,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Federal judges have so far been skeptical of the Trump administration’s past efforts to use extraordinary powers to make deportations easier, and that could make suspending habeas corpus even tougher.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
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But his sharpness increased as the tournament progressed, especially in the semi-final against his toughest opponent on paper, Stephen Nedoroscik.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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During her last five years as Deputy Bureau Chief, Chloe has brought her sharp editorial expertise and field experience to deliver authoritative coverage, competitive scoops and breaking news.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2025
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Female-sounding voices are supposed to be calming and male-sounding voices more authoritative.—
Sarah A. Bell,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Her resistance to rigid punctuation or academic language reflects a broader skepticism about power and interpretation.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
3 May 2025
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Data collection, storage, and analysis are not rigid processes—one-size-fits-all for each weather event.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritarian. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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