Synonyms of tyranny

tyranny

noun

ˈtir-ə-nē 

as in dictatorship

a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power

a popular uprising replaced that nation's tyranny with freedom and democracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dictatorship
• fascism
• despotism
• Communism
• autocracy
• totalitarianism
• authoritarianism
• absolutism
• monarchy
• oppression
• autarchy
• Caesarism
• totalism
• czarism
• domination
• Nazism
• monarchism
• monocracy
• Big Brother
• Big Brotherism

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• democracy
• freedom
• self-government
• self-rule
• self-governance
• sovereignty
• autonomy
• self-determination

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tyranny

Inspired by the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, The Uprising sees Garfield’s character become an unexpected leader in the rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II, whose implementation of unfair taxes on the working class sparked the uprising. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Indeed, by then, the hypnotic spell had been cast across all of Europe, including on those liberated from the drab tyrannies of actually existing socialism. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026

In the film, out September 11, Garfield plays Ploughman, the legendary leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Ḥusayn’s death became for the Shiʿah a symbol of selfless resistance against worldly injustice and tyranny and is commemorated with lamentation each year on Ashura. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026