TYRANNICAL Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

tyrannical

adjective

tə-ˈra-ni-kəl

variants also tyrannic

Definition of tyrannical

as in oppressive

exercising power or authority without interference by others a tyrannical ruler whose terrible reign was marked by unceasing violence

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around even when he was still a toddler, he tended to be a tyrannical playmate

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of tyrannical Woody and Buzz have survived sadistic neighbors, evil toys and tyrannical daycare rulers. — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Independence for the 13 colonies was in the interest of anyone, anywhere, who believed the only remedy for tyrannical authority was for people to govern themselves. — Michael Kazin, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 However, to embrace his destiny Adam must become He-Man, return to his home planet, reclaim the Sword of Power and save his people from the tyrannical Skeletor. — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026 And intrusion by Sacramento lawmakers is nothing short of tyrannical. — Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tyrannical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tyrannical

Adjective

This stretch of eastern Long Island has long been a respite for New Yorkers seeking a seaside reprieve from the oppressive heat.

— Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
Alongside health advice, state media has repeatedly returned to a familiar propaganda theme — Kim’s willingness to endure the same oppressive weather faced by ordinary North Koreans.

— Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of oppressive

Adjective

Reliable polling remains scarce under the country’s authoritarian system.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026
And both men, despite misgivings among parts of their own populations about their corrupt and authoritarian tendencies, were largely welcomed in the West as reformers and promising economic partners.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

All of this is manna for autocratic leaders, who base much of their domestic propaganda on claims of Western weakness and hypocrisy.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
My answer focuses on the role of autocratic political elites – that is, the party officials, military officers and other regime insiders who control the state.

— José Kaire, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Definition of autocratic

Adjective

Perhaps in the arrogant belief that a war with Iran would quickly end in a decisive victory, the Pentagon did not have cost-effective systems ready to intercept these weapons.

— Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Nick Aldis’ wife Mickie James was ringside, where she was taunted by an arrogant Gunther.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrogant

Adjective

Loss of credibility leads to loss of legitimacy in a despotic regime.

— Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
The pretence of an absolute, irresistible, despotic power, existing in every government somewhere, is incompatible with the first principle of natural right.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Definition of despotic

Adjective

Ilham Aliyev continued his father’s dictatorial legacy, imprisoning his critics and enriching his family and cronies, while polishing his country’s image by hosting Formula One events and the Eurovision Song Contest.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
As pointed out by Cox, Zagallo was only brought in as manager in the March of 1970 after his predecessor, Saldanha, had fallen out with Brazil’s dictatorial president Emilio Medici.

— Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Definition of dictatorial

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“Tyrannical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tyrannical. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tyrannical

adjective

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