as in tyranny
a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power
a revolution that only ended up replacing one dictatorship with another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 dictatorship
Meanwhile, critics see them as a PR tool at the service of an authoritarian dictatorship dating back to the 1960s.
—
Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Every administration since the Marcos dictatorship has directed particular attention to the island of Negros, which has seen considerable NPA activity because of the area’s chronic struggles over land rights.
—Patrick Peralta, The Conversation, 28 May 2026
Adler was one of thousands of children stolen from families in Chile during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, who led the country from 1973 to 1990, the AP reported.
—Adam England, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
In the years after Argentina’s military dictatorship, many of the 500 children who had been stolen and raised under false identities began to come forward, looking for their families.
—Sara Huston, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dictatorship
Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Every administration since the Marcos dictatorship has directed particular attention to the island of Negros, which has seen considerable NPA activity because of the area’s chronic struggles over land rights.
—Patrick Peralta, The Conversation, 28 May 2026
Adler was one of thousands of children stolen from families in Chile during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, who led the country from 1973 to 1990, the AP reported.
—Adam England, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
In the years after Argentina’s military dictatorship, many of the 500 children who had been stolen and raised under false identities began to come forward, looking for their families.
—Sara Huston, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dictatorship
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictatorship
Noun
-
First, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced the end of vaccination requirements in his state, emphasizing the tyranny of basic public health.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
North Korea remains a close ally, rigidly committed to traditional communist tyranny.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
President Roosevelt also led the United States through the Second World War, mobilizing the Nation after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and serving as Commander-in-Chief throughout the Allied effort to defeat Nazism and fascism.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
-
The famous star of stage and screen was an outspoken opponent of fascism before World War II, devoting his time and money to relief groups aiding victims of Nazi Germany.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The good ones who are trying to carefully transition a country from democracy to autocracy don't do it overnight.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 June 2026
-
Once in office, Putin installed Vadim as an adviser to help consolidate his administration into an autocracy responsible for the suppression of civil liberties, for wars in Chechnya and Ukraine, and for a campaign of disinformation and interference in Western democracies.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
His dream was nothing less than a new reality, a hopeful future free of despotism, ruled by equality and liberty, rather than kings and queens.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
The book circles political concerns that remain relevant today, including empire, caste prejudice, and the dangers of despotism and corruption.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dictatorship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictatorship. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
