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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Jersey, a single mom, isn’t a tyrant.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
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Not that Eisenhower, to be fair, is presented here as quite such a tyrant.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 May 2026
Noun
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At a time when the United States had just abducted a Venezuelan dictator, was threatening Greenland, and was planning a war in Iran, a serious DNI would have had other priorities.—
Andreas Kluth,
Twin Cities,
28 May 2026
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Dolan earned his reputation with a mix of poor team performance, uninspired front office hiring, and a reputation as a thin-skinned dictator, including banning former player Charles Oakley from Madison Square Garden and using facial recognition technology to monitor fans.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despot. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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