JACKBOOTED Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

jackbooted

adjective

Definition of jackbooted

as in totalitarian

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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 jackbooted Karol let those lines here serve as her brief indictment of the present, jackbooted environment around immigration and repression in the United States. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 Hungary under his rule is far from a jackbooted dictatorship, but its democracy is diverging markedly from that of many of its partners in the European Union. — Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2018 Was Rizzo a jackbooted tyrant who went out of his way to punish blacks and gays? — David Gambacorta, Philly.com, 22 Aug. 2017 For some, the racist taunts of the past few days recalled a time when jackbooted members of the far-right National Front taunted immigrants on the streets of Britain in the 1980s, during the painful deindustrialization of the Thatcher era. — Dan Bilefsky, New York Times, 27 June 2016

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jackbooted

Adjective

During the Cold War, Washington cast itself as the defender of the free world against totalitarian domination; Moscow portrayed itself as the patron of national liberation against Western colonialism.

— NIALL FERGUSON, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026
Whether or not Vance can see the totalitarian logic of his arguments is unknown.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of totalitarian

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

Any transgression of new standards of speech and behavior could put someone at risk of social banishment, in the truly despotic shape of cancellation.

— Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
The comedy of errors that follows as Ina attempts to solve the nation’s problems, from traffic congestion to energy crisis, doubles as a critique of the despotic regime and the tumult of living in such hellish times.

— Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of despotic

Adjective

This would eventually lead to the overthrow of the tsarist autocracy and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
That war ended in a humiliating defeat by an enemy regarded as much weaker, and many tsarist officials blamed the outcome on Japanese spies and saboteurs.

— Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of czarist

Adjective

He was defeated resoundingly in an election earlier this year by a Hungarian opposition committed to unravelling his illiberal, autocratic legacy.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2026
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

Definition of autocratic

Adjective

These tyrannous tabbies don’t understand that canning is not exclusively for wet food.

— Julie Klausner, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
The same study posited that Fela was not the only popular musician who confronted the military and tyrannous leaders of Nigeria between independence in 1960 and Fela’s passing in 1997.

— Garhe Osiebe, Quartz Africa, 21 Feb. 2021

Definition of tyrannous

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jackasses

jackbooted

jacked (up)

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“Jackbooted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jackbooted. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of jackbooted

adjective

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