as in rulers
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of autocrats
Trump has made clear his disdain for NATO, his affection for Putin, gushes over autocrats, and withholds military support for Ukraine.
—
Arthur House,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2026
Almost overnight, countries that had long outsourced their energy security to autocrats found their supplies cut, and their economies shaken.
—
Jennifer Granholm,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Even as long-reigning autocrats such as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are removed from power, the outlook for the global state of democracy remains highly uncertain.
—
Yana Gorokhovskaia,
Washington Post,
19 Mar. 2026
Trump’s attacks may have raised some doubts in China that Xi’s backing of autocrats is wise.
—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
These autocrats have watched and learned as Erdoğan has scapegoated various rival groups in his country, branding them shadowy forces unleashed by the American philanthropist George Soros.
—
Kaya Genç,
The Dial,
3 Feb. 2026
The book examines the worst acts of autocrats and tyrannical leaders dating back centuries.
—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
The central question is whether the rise of autocrats is reversible.
—
Max Hastings,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
The strategic logic mirrors survival patterns of past regional autocrats.
—
Güney Yıldız,
Forbes.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Arthur House,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2026
Almost overnight, countries that had long outsourced their energy security to autocrats found their supplies cut, and their economies shaken.
—
Jennifer Granholm,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Even as long-reigning autocrats such as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are removed from power, the outlook for the global state of democracy remains highly uncertain.
—
Yana Gorokhovskaia,
Washington Post,
19 Mar. 2026
Trump’s attacks may have raised some doubts in China that Xi’s backing of autocrats is wise.
—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
These autocrats have watched and learned as Erdoğan has scapegoated various rival groups in his country, branding them shadowy forces unleashed by the American philanthropist George Soros.
—
Kaya Genç,
The Dial,
3 Feb. 2026
The book examines the worst acts of autocrats and tyrannical leaders dating back centuries.
—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
The central question is whether the rise of autocrats is reversible.
—
Max Hastings,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
The strategic logic mirrors survival patterns of past regional autocrats.
—
Güney Yıldız,
Forbes.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autocrats
Noun
-
Woody and Buzz have survived sadistic neighbors, evil toys and tyrannical daycare rulers.
-
Jones said Shiite rulers in several South Asian kingdoms sponsored processions and other commemorations of Hussein’s martyrdom, helping turn them into public events that drew wider audiences.
Noun
-
The Dutch monarchs, who were joined by their daughter Princess Ariane, began the day by watching Holland rout Sweden 5-1 in a Group F match.
-
The king and queen always face the direction of travel and will exit first; their guests face the footmen and will exit after the monarchs.
Cite this Entry
“Autocrats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autocrats. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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