1
as in monarchy
a system of government in which a religious body holds unlimited power
Under a theocracy, an entire nation officially follows one religion.
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2
as in democracy
a group of people who live in a territory ruled by a religious body
The country was a theocracy governed by religious leaders.
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Recent Examples of theocracy
As streaming sites gradually catch on to this treasure trove of cinema, here are 27 essential Iranian movies available to stream or watch as VOD, including classic hybrid documentaries, psychological dramas, and gory thrillers that attest to the terrifying reality of life under theocracy.
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Tiara Ataii, Vulture, 24 June 2025
As for Iran’s future, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday appeared to play down Trump calling into question the future of Iran’s ruling theocracy, seemingly contradicting his administration’s earlier calls on Tehran to resume negotiations and avoid an escalation in fighting.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Five decades of broken agreements have shown that side-deals and photo-ops cannot civilize a theocracy.
—Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
Trump had just days ago pondered the idea of regime change — the overthrow of Iran’s ruling theocracy — something seen here in the French capital as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theocracy
Tiara Ataii, Vulture, 24 June 2025
As for Iran’s future, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday appeared to play down Trump calling into question the future of Iran’s ruling theocracy, seemingly contradicting his administration’s earlier calls on Tehran to resume negotiations and avoid an escalation in fighting.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Five decades of broken agreements have shown that side-deals and photo-ops cannot civilize a theocracy.
—Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
Trump had just days ago pondered the idea of regime change — the overthrow of Iran’s ruling theocracy — something seen here in the French capital as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theocracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theocracy
Noun
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The prospect of seeing the Sussexes at royal events would enrage the monarchy’s loyal supporters.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
18 July 2025
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The rule is an effort to secure the future of the monarchy should a tragic accident occur.—
Stephanie Petit,
People.com,
18 July 2025
Noun
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Aside from the most ardent Bolsonaro loyalists, Brazilians—regardless of ideology—don't take kindly to foreign leaders telling them how to run their democracy.—
Arick Wierson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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Yoon’s shocking December declaration plunged South Korea into a constitutional crisis and was widely condemned as striking at the heart of the nation’s democracy.—
Yoonjung Seo,
CNN Money,
10 July 2025
Noun
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But a slave mentality remains deeply ingrained in Russian minds, along with a latent monarchism and paternalism.—
Nikita Petrov,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Dec. 2017
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But for anyone outside the British elite, the constitutional monarchism that emerged after the civil wars did not look much like democracy or true liberty.—
Andrew Cockburn,
Harper's Magazine,
20 Aug. 2024
Noun
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Because once somebody is in the kingdom, things can happen to them, and the Western press doesn't really know.—
Edward Felsenthal,
Time,
23 July 2025
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Over the same period, Saudi Arabia’s citizens gained visa-free access to four countries, bringing its total to 91 countries, which lifts the kingdom four places to No. 54.—
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
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During the dictatorship, blackouts were used to control people.—
Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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But if Trump’s Iran gamble turns out well and Iran’s theocratic dictatorship either crumbles or gives up its uranium enrichment program through diplomatic negotiations — a big if — Trump will be credited with having done something four previous presidents contemplated but ultimately failed to do.—
Andres Oppenheimer,
Miami Herald,
22 June 2025
Noun
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From the Cossack republics of the 17th century to the Maidan uprising of 2014, Ukraine has consistently supported freedom and pluralism.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Our nation has morphed far beyond the republic that the founders initially imagined.—
Joanna Allhands,
AZCentral.com,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theocracy. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
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