Synonyms of strongman

strongman

noun

ˈstrȯŋ-ˌman 

as in dictator

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

a Latin-American strongman who basically treated his nation's coffers as his personal bank account

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of strongman

That distinction could become central to Maduro’s attempt to separate his case from that of former Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega, one of the closest historical comparisons. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Heavyweights almost always draw more attention and Wheels, a popular online strongman seems to have tons of fan interest. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Hanke even survived a close call when Yugoslav strongman Slobodan Milosevic spread rumors the economist was a French spy and dispatched a hit squad to assassinate him. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Not only the record, but backlash caused by Guillen's awkward praise of former Cuban strongman Fidel Castro contributed to his dismissal in South Florida. — CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026