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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of strongman
In some cases, affection becomes conditional and is only offered when the underdog conforms to the strongman’s expectations.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
That said, the current American president – a NATO critic, who has repeatedly voiced personal admiration for Putin and Xi – may be a more appealing negotiating partner for both strongmen.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025
In 2008, a constitutional provision limiting presidents to a maximum of two terms forced Russia’s strongman, Vladimir Putin, to step aside.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025
This gradual breakdown of self-worth can push the underdog into aligning their life with the strongman’s desires rather than their own.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strongman
Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
That said, the current American president – a NATO critic, who has repeatedly voiced personal admiration for Putin and Xi – may be a more appealing negotiating partner for both strongmen.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025
In 2008, a constitutional provision limiting presidents to a maximum of two terms forced Russia’s strongman, Vladimir Putin, to step aside.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025
This gradual breakdown of self-worth can push the underdog into aligning their life with the strongman’s desires rather than their own.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strongman
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strongman
Noun
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Through his interactions with Saddam, Nixon gains a deeper understanding of the Iraqi dictator, the potential consequences of the invasion, and the humanitarian and geopolitical turmoil that would ensue.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2025
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The violence is stoking fears among Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious minorities who have grown increasingly worried about persecution under the rule of Syria’s new Islamist leaders, who overthrew the dictator Bashar al-Assad in December.—
Euan Ward,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Throughout Russian history, Ivan the Terrible – who among his other crimes murdered his eldest son and had the head of Russian Orthodox Church strangled for dissent – was remembered as a repulsive tyrant.—
Dina Khapaeva,
The Conversation,
22 Apr. 2025
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The sixth emperor of the famed Mughal dynasty, he is considered by many detractors to be a tyrant who brutalized women, razed Hindu temples, forced religious conversions and waged wars against Hindu and Sikh rulers.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strongman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strongman. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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