as in tyranny
a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power
in times of crisis, when a nation's people are frightened, there are often calls for totalitarianism
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Recent Examples of totalitarianism
Jury President Wim Wenders praised the film for its portrait of life under totalitarianism saying the story would chime with and serve as a wakeup call for people all over the world.
—
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2026
After Al Qaeda and then Saddam Hussein abruptly emerged as incarnations of a new totalitarianism, Michael Ignatieff and Niall Ferguson, among many others, impatiently urged the United States to assume its imperial obligations and impose democracy, human rights, and free trade through war.
—Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
This was about stopping totalitarianism.
—NBC news, 23 Nov. 2025
Also, in part as a defense against totalitarianism, many countries signed on to international agreements upholding academic freedom, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
—David P. Baker, The Conversation, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totalitarianism
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2026
After Al Qaeda and then Saddam Hussein abruptly emerged as incarnations of a new totalitarianism, Michael Ignatieff and Niall Ferguson, among many others, impatiently urged the United States to assume its imperial obligations and impose democracy, human rights, and free trade through war.
—Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
This was about stopping totalitarianism.
—NBC news, 23 Nov. 2025
Also, in part as a defense against totalitarianism, many countries signed on to international agreements upholding academic freedom, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
—David P. Baker, The Conversation, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totalitarianism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totalitarianism
Noun
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The balance of power between federal and state governments was the best way to prevent tyranny, manage national affairs such as foreign policy and commerce, and preserve state autonomy over internal local affairs.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
15 May 2026
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Assayas offers anecdotes, a feuilleton of tyranny in which the foibles of the mighty and the ruthless reveal the sentimental side of cruelty, the amusement value of ugly deeds, and the polite side of monstrous ideas.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Taking on fascism isn’t right for every program.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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More generally, all forms of fascism begin this way.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Many Florida Hispanics from Cuba and South America vote Republican after fleeing socialist or communist dictatorships.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
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When Brazil’s military dictatorship cuts a major highway through Yanomami land in the mid ‘70s, her images become an act of resistance and a turning point in her life, Maria Farinha Filmes said Thursday.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Noun
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In September, when House Democrats gathered for a post-recess caucus meeting, several members argued that their message should focus on big themes, such as authoritarianism and corruption.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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The column got mostly positive reactions — well, except from media outlets that are cheering on our descent into authoritarianism.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Totalitarianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totalitarianism. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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