as in ruler
one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority
European autocrats once commonly believed that they had received the right to rule directly from God
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Recent Examples of autocrat
The central question is whether the rise of autocrats is reversible.
—
Max Hastings, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
The strategic logic mirrors survival patterns of past regional autocrats.
—Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Maduro was an autocrat with weak popular backing whose departure has certainly been welcomed by many of Venezuela’s citizens and celebrated by a vibrant diaspora.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Maduro ruled Venezuela's 28 million people as an autocrat, imprisoning his opposition and leaving the economy of an oil rich nation in shambles.
—Scott Pelley, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autocrat
Max Hastings, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
The strategic logic mirrors survival patterns of past regional autocrats.
—Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Maduro was an autocrat with weak popular backing whose departure has certainly been welcomed by many of Venezuela’s citizens and celebrated by a vibrant diaspora.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Maduro ruled Venezuela's 28 million people as an autocrat, imprisoning his opposition and leaving the economy of an oil rich nation in shambles.
—Scott Pelley, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for autocrat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autocrat
Noun
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The visit was already a diplomatic test for the prince, involving a meeting with the crown prince and de facto Saudi ruler, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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Having become the sole ruler of Rome, Caesar continued to use the same strengths that had brought him success before.—
Paul Vanderbroeck,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Learn about Hawaiian history at ‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu, the former royal residence of the last reigning monarchs of Hawaii.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
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Last week, the British monarch forced his brother to vacate his longtime home at Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Autocrat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autocrat. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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