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

Robert Mugabe, longtime strongman of Zimbabwe, printed money to ensure his party kept control of the country and to finance the nation's deficits. — Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026

Welcome to the peculiar world of strongman competition, where huge athletes achieve astonishing physical feats but in an environment of respect and camaraderie. — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 8 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