as in tyrant
a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way
the despot exiled political dissidents to remote labor camps, where they were left to rot
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despot
The despot’s dilemma Iran’s cameras have been repeatedly hacked over the past few years.
—
Dake Kang,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2026
Thus, to be real peace-makers, whether Christian or not, responsible leaders need to be aware that the approach of pacifism often paves the way for dictators and despots to inflict more and more violence.
—
Bill Keane,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2026
Despite his progressive views, he was widely seen as an authoritarian and a despot.
—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2026
These despots will continue to lash out at America.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despot
Dake Kang,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2026
Thus, to be real peace-makers, whether Christian or not, responsible leaders need to be aware that the approach of pacifism often paves the way for dictators and despots to inflict more and more violence.
—
Bill Keane,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2026
Despite his progressive views, he was widely seen as an authoritarian and a despot.
—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2026
These despots will continue to lash out at America.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despot
Noun
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Aegon, dragged out of King’s Landing by spymaster Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) in an effort to save him from the fratricidal Aemond, gets an up-close look at the petty tyrants who have sprouted up in the countryside thanks to his impetuous rule.
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Examples range from businesses like Enron, Tyco, and Bernie Madoff, along with historical tyrants like Stalin or Hitler to modern figures like Putin, and industries like tobacco that knowingly harm users for profit.
Noun
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Italy’s triumph over Czechoslovakia in the 1934 final which strengthened the regime of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, for example.
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One depicts Putin being cradled in the arms of the Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
Cite this Entry
“Despot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despot. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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