DESPOTIC Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

despotic

adjective

de-ˈspä-tik

Definition of despotic

as in oppressive

exercising power or authority without interference by others a nation ruled by a series of despotic rulers, each seemingly worse than the last

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around the despotic coach demands that his players obey him without question

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of despotic The pretence of an absolute, irresistible, despotic power, existing in every government somewhere, is incompatible with the first principle of natural right. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 That seems to me to be an absolutely clear point, that only despotic regimes do that stuff. — Katie Drummond, Wired News, 19 May 2026 The Academy rules work for countries with democratic governments but not for countries with despotic regimes. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 4 May 2026 Possibly to a way of life that not only survives many kinds of precarity—cruel weather, scanty income, a despotic army—but that even molds itself to them. — Samanth Subramanian, New Yorker, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for despotic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for despotic

Adjective

The centers collect revenue and basically deposit their tax revenue to the state and local governments without collateral effects such as larger class sizes and oppressive gridlock.

— Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026
That’s why for Thanksgiving there won’t be a firm, oppressive waistband in sight.

— Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of oppressive

Adjective

Much, if not most, of the distemper was aimed at the would-be authoritarian in the White House.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
People living under authoritarian governments can still exercise power and influence through relationships, knowledge, social networks, and persuasion.

— Tanaz Eshaghian, Time, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

Federal prosecutors accuse Maduro and Flores of directing a campaign of political repression involving brutal interrogations, arbitrary detentions and the mistreatment of prisoners.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
On October 9, 2026, a federal district court ruled that the policy exceeds the Justice Department's authority, is arbitrary and capricious, and violates federal law.

— Eric McDaniel, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of arbitrary

Adjective

Lee recognizes the potential for that in the servant and chooses not to do these things, or at least not do them in a domineering or self-serving way.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Sources said Gunning plays Annie, a quietly dutiful wife who has sacrificed her ambitions to raise four sons under her domineering husband, Duncan.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of domineering

Adjective

Both in Serbia and Hungary, many have expressed hope that ousting their autocratic governments would open up a chance for a new generation of political representation and genuine democratic participation.

— JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
On Sunday night, its capital, Belgrade, was the scene of a celebration of peace and joy after parliamentary elections turned out an autocratic ruling party, in a win for a student movement that has no leader and largely put up nonstudent candidates.

— the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of autocratic

Adjective

Except Moe is nice, caring, and talented, while Matt is arrogant, unpleasant, and, at the beginning of the episode, belligerently drunk.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
El-Sayed didn’t win himself any favors with an arrogant acceptance speech delivered without a shred of grace.

— Kaitlyn Buss, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of arrogant

Adjective

Polly, who has choreographed the family’s public image with the dictatorial control of a George Balanchine, isn’t pleased to learn that her daughter has laid the fault of her brother’s tragedy on her parents’ right-wing politics.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Standing before her guards, the increasingly dictatorial ruler proclaims herself as the Chosen One to the people of King's Landing.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of dictatorial

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despot

despotic

despotism

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“Despotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despotic. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of despotic

adjective

Example Sentences

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