autocracy

noun

ȯ-ˈtä-krə-sē How to pronounce autocracy (audio)
Definition of autocracynext
as in tyranny
a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power the Magna Carta is historically important because it signified the British rejection of autocracy and constituted the first formal restraining of the power of the monarch

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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 autocracy Birth rates have plunged in social democracies and capitalist autocracies alike. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 This would eventually lead to the overthrow of the tsarist autocracy and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 But attributing Morocco’s triumph to autocracy misses the point. — Joe Mathews, Mercury News, 28 July 2026 Rights groups say the human rights post is more critical than ever as autocracies gain influence globally. — Andrea Shalal, USA Today, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for autocracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autocracy
  1. tyranny
  2. dictatorship
  3. fascism
  4. despotism
  5. authoritarianism
Noun
  • Lawmakers from Fidesz and its coalition party, the Christian Democrats, did not take part in Monday’s vote, calling the charges against their lawmakers political tyranny by Magyar’s government.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • And Ric Salinas, who plays Chachalacani, humorously obliges, bringing his Culture Clash vaudeville skills to the role of the sentry who’s caught between the rock of Klion’s tyranny and his fellow feeling for Antíkona’s sympathetic cause.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of tyranny
Noun
  • This is a sensitive moment for Brazil's democracy Brazil emerged from military dictatorship in 1985 and has since developed into one of the world's largest democracies.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Cseh, the archive's director, said successor governments to dictatorships rarely disclose the names of previous agents and informants, let alone records as detailed as those Hungary is preparing to release.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of dictatorship
Noun
  • At least a million soldiers fighting in the British and French armies against fascism were Muslims.
    — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In Conversation What Wiemar Germany’s theater can teach us about artistic expression in the shadow of rising fascism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of fascism
Noun
  • The nation which will not adopt an equilibrium of power must adopt a despotism.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • 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.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Definition of despotism
Noun
  • 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, 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
Definition of authoritarianism

Browse Nearby Words

autochthons
autocracy
autocrat
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Cite this Entry

“Autocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autocracy. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on autocracy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about autocracy

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