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
When a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune, the team is sent to steal it back on what would be for anyone else a suicide mission.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026
These despots will continue to lash out at America.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Such an outcome would have broad economic consequences and allow despots yet unknown to reassert control even as Trump moves on to, say, Cuba.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
And the space truly was palatial—but think refined career aristocrat rather than louche despot.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despot
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026
These despots will continue to lash out at America.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Such an outcome would have broad economic consequences and allow despots yet unknown to reassert control even as Trump moves on to, say, Cuba.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
And the space truly was palatial—but think refined career aristocrat rather than louche despot.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despot
Noun
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Lane’s Willy is both a paternal tyrant and a wounded bear, growling if anyone interrupts him yet unable to conceal his soft underbelly.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Bolstered by his military campaign in Morocco, Franco went on to lead Nationalist forces to victory in the Spanish Civil War, followed by a near 40-year rule as dictator.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
16 May 2026
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The first Eurovision boycott was in 1969 — ironically, by Austria, which refused to send a delegation to Spain under dictator Francisco Franco.—
Jill Lawless,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despot. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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