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

The cross was not meant to be a stage prop for strongmen. — Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Latin America is swinging rightward again, electing presidents who promise to channel the strongmen of yore and rule the region through might, not right. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

The consumer backlash, which prompted Lululemon to issue an apology and scrub its campaign, is the latest example of how quickly Western brands can come unstuck in a country where nationalism has surged under strongman leader Xi Jinping. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

Fury outboxed strongman Eddie Hall en route to a majority decision win. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026