as in ruler
one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority
European autocrats once commonly believed that they had received the right to rule directly from God
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 autocrat
Countries run by controlling autocrats go to great lengths to clamp down on the opposition and maintain the upper hand.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 July 2025
Increasingly, Big Tech is siding with autocrats, and the platforms’ designs help keep society under control.
—Lisa Schirch, The Conversation, 7 July 2025
This crisis destabilizes regions, fuels mass migration, and empowers anti-American autocrats.
—Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
The Russian autocrat would not want to miss an unparalleled chance to turn a U.S. president into an ally, for both political and economic reasons: a peace treaty could turn out to be an economically favorable deal, the proceeds of which would prolong the life of Putin’s regime.
—Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for autocrat
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 July 2025
Increasingly, Big Tech is siding with autocrats, and the platforms’ designs help keep society under control.
—Lisa Schirch, The Conversation, 7 July 2025
This crisis destabilizes regions, fuels mass migration, and empowers anti-American autocrats.
—Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
The Russian autocrat would not want to miss an unparalleled chance to turn a U.S. president into an ally, for both political and economic reasons: a peace treaty could turn out to be an economically favorable deal, the proceeds of which would prolong the life of Putin’s regime.
—Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for autocrat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autocrat
Noun
-
With your celestial ruler, Mars, entering Libra on Aug. 6, everything from your committed relationships to potential prospects takes center stage.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Was their cause a betrayal, or a principled stand against a ruler whose ambitions threatened to consume their way of life?—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The monarch appeared to tell a quick joke in reaction, which made those around him smile.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
The monarch had been paying for Andrew’s security after the prince lost his police protection in 2022.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Autocrat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autocrat. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share