as in dictator
a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way
the people universally feared the tyrant, who was notorious for his frequent use of torture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 tyrant
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
While the modern world rages outside their four walls, everything inside is immune to the tyrant of time.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025
Trump’s weird bromance with North Korean tyrant Kim Jong Un came at the expense of Japan’s national security.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
If Bonhoeffer’s example is used to justify more far-right Christian violence in America, that would be another tragedy — and a cruel irony that would stain the legacy of a man who gave up everything to confront a tyrant.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tyrant
Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
While the modern world rages outside their four walls, everything inside is immune to the tyrant of time.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025
Trump’s weird bromance with North Korean tyrant Kim Jong Un came at the expense of Japan’s national security.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
If Bonhoeffer’s example is used to justify more far-right Christian violence in America, that would be another tragedy — and a cruel irony that would stain the legacy of a man who gave up everything to confront a tyrant.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tyrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tyrant
dictator
Noun
-
Syrian rebels overthrew dictator Bashar al Assad in December.—
Tom Perry,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
-
Libya has been embroiled in a political conflict since long-time dictator Moammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011, leading to the emergence of several armed groups.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tyrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tyrant. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share