variants also tyrannic
Definition of tyrannicalnext
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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 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 Advertisement The tax sparked fierce resistance, especially among western Pennsylvania farmers, who saw it as a sign of the federal government's tyrannical bent, and organized protests that escalated into the tarring and feathering of tax collectors. Charlie Campbell, Time, 25 May 2026 Joaquin Phoenix's villainous performance as the tyrannical emperor Commodus earned him an Academy Award nomination. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tyrannical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tyrannical
Adjective
  • Other booths included photo opportunities dressed in traditional Colonial garb, hands-on historical exhibits and interactive displays that offered visitors a break from the oppressive heat.
    Mike Stunson, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Due to the oppressive heat, the Phillies have adjusted operations through Thursday's game.
    Eva Andersen, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • In the nation’s gravest hour, the country’s authoritarian regime has crippled an effective response, say survivors, rescue workers and former officials.
    Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
  • Some are fleeing authoritarian regimes, war or natural disasters.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Hundreds of people have been detained and Serbia's police was accused of excessive force and arbitrary arrests.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • Hundreds of people have been detained and Serbia’s police was accused of excessive force and arbitrary arrests.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Musk’s company has inked lucrative AI deals with Anthropic and Google and plans to be the domineering firm behind orbital data centers, which SpaceX has said could be deployed as early as 2028.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • Many figures within evangelicalism have promoted an aggressive, domineering, even abusive view of manhood—affixing to it, as Du Mez argues, the label biblical.
    Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • University students behind more than a year of protests against Vucic's increasingly autocratic rule in Serbia have been demanding early parliamentary elections for over a year but Vucic so far has refrained from setting the date.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • University students behind more than a year of protests against Vucic’s increasingly autocratic rule in Serbia have been demanding early parliamentary elections for over a year, but Vucic so far has refrained from setting the date.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • West Germany, arrogant attitude adjusted, pounded Chile, 4-1.
    David j. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Lasso, in his initial introduction to audiences, wasn’t the warm, pun-loving, inspirational coach audiences would eventually embrace through Apple +, but a slightly arrogant buffoon parodying the average American sports fan.
    Charles Moss, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • The Academy rules work for countries with democratic governments but not for countries with despotic regimes.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Perhaps, no seriously, this is the continuation of the overshadowing dictatorial style coming from Washington, as evidenced flowing through the Paramount takeover of CBS and the subsequent displacement of other highly qualified CBS talent.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tyrannical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tyrannical. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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