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
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
American federalism and the separation of powers are not trivial for a would-be autocrat to overcome.
—Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
Like the Victor Hugo novel that inspired it, the musical rails against autocrats and the systems that elevate them.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 June 2025
Biden often spoke about Putin’s threat beyond Ukraine’s borders, both in terms of taking more territory in former Soviet states and emboldening autocrats around the world.
—Colin Meyn, The Hill, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for autocrat
Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025
American federalism and the separation of powers are not trivial for a would-be autocrat to overcome.
—Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
Like the Victor Hugo novel that inspired it, the musical rails against autocrats and the systems that elevate them.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 June 2025
Biden often spoke about Putin’s threat beyond Ukraine’s borders, both in terms of taking more territory in former Soviet states and emboldening autocrats around the world.
—Colin Meyn, The Hill, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for autocrat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autocrat
Noun
-
Advertisement Advertisement That makes The Man Who Would Be King: Mohammed bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia, House’s new book about Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, essential reading.—
Edward Felsenthal,
Time,
23 July 2025
-
Hadrian’s Aqueduct, commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 125 C.E. and completed in 140, is one of several projects the ruler, known for his proclivity to build, has to his name.—
Christian Thorsberg,
Smithsonian Magazine,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
The treasure chest emoji celebrates discovery and reward. Also known as the ocean’s apex predator, the leviathan, the monarch of the deep, the black fin, and certainly not Flipper.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
28 July 2025
-
However, there is currently no evidence of the spouse of an heir hosting an investiture ceremony, meaning Camilla is currently more likely than Kate to take on the role until Prince William becomes monarch.—
Stephanie Petit,
People.com,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Autocrat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autocrat. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share