Synonyms of autocrats

autocrats

noun

plural of autocrat

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rulers
• monarchs
• kings
• emperors
• sovereigns
• potentates
• princes
• queens
• dictators
• tyrants
• emirs
• overlords
• Caesars
• sultans
• empresses
• despots
• satraps
• czars
• moguls
• lords
• shahs
• khans
• authoritarians
• suzerains
• Big Brothers
• kaisers
• corulers
• führers
• mikados
• khedives
• monocrats
• paramounts

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of autocrats

These innovations may reduce the number of bureaucrats autocrats need. — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026

In other countries that have recently experienced democratic backsliding, such as Turkey and Hungary, installing loyalists in the judiciary and in government agencies has played a key role in helping autocrats consolidate power. — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Failing to recognize that flaw has been the downfall of emperors and autocrats. — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

In theory, China’s autocrats can ram through their agenda with scant regard for public sentiment. — Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026

Typically reserved for autocrats and crime bosses, sanctions can be devastating. — ABC News, 14 July 2026

Conquerors and autocrats may win the immediate battle by bullying their subjects into submission, but their empires inevitably crumble the moment their iron grip falters. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 June 2026

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