Synonyms of dictator

dictator

noun

ˈdik-ˌtā-tər 

as in tyrant

a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way

the dictator had a fierce stranglehold on the country, keeping its people in poverty and ignorance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tyrant
• despot
• ruler
• pharaoh
• warlord
• strongman
• oppressor
• man on horseback
• führer
• overlord
• caesar
• tycoon
• leader
• king
• autocrat
• authoritarian
• prince
• monarch
• magnate
• totalitarian
• boss
• caudillo
• potentate
• tyrannizer
• baron
• dominator
• sovereign
• czar
• chief
• master
• queen
• lord
• Big Brother
• paramount
• captain
• autarch
• mogul
• monocrat
• kingpin
• taskmaster
• martinet
• enforcer
• disciplinarian
• discipliner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dictator

The Nazi dictator himself rarely used the Kehlsteinhaus — unlike the Berghof residence, also in the Berchtesgaden area, the ruins of which were blown up in 1952. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Nearly 1,000 objects from the family of former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco have seen their value explode ahead of a sale at Magna Art Auctions, but historic preservationist groups want to stop the sale. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

The regime discredited the uncorroborated claims by having state media release photos of the 42-year-old dictator touring a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyongyang with his wife and teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae. — Anna Coren, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Ali Abdullah Saleh, the longtime dictator of Yemen, was overthrown during the Arab Spring and the Houthis were able to seize a large chunk of territory. — Ariana Aspuru, Vox, 19 Oct. 2026