1
as in domineering
fond of ordering people around
grew up with an authoritarian older sister who thought she was queen of the world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
an authoritarian coach who runs football practice like it's boot camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in disciplinarian
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in dictator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of authoritarian
Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
However, the movie’s rights remained trapped in Russia for the better part of a year, thwarting the director’s efforts to bring his film — a stinging critique of authoritarian rule — to foreign audiences.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025
The result of such a dramatic step is an even deeper slide toward authoritarian rule in Turkey, where an entire generation knows no other leader than Mr. Erdoğan – yet where his lock on politics is increasingly rejected by voters.
—Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Mar. 2025
In this way, democratic parenting is markedly different from both permissive parenting and authoritarian parenting.
—Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Adjective
Especially when Cadfael’s worldly wisdom and endless curiosity puts him at odds with his stricter brethren, including the authoritarian Prior Robert (Michael Culver) and his deliciously weasely henchman Brother Jerome (Julian Firth).
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
However, the movie’s rights remained trapped in Russia for the better part of a year, thwarting the director’s efforts to bring his film — a stinging critique of authoritarian rule — to foreign audiences.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025
The result of such a dramatic step is an even deeper slide toward authoritarian rule in Turkey, where an entire generation knows no other leader than Mr. Erdoğan – yet where his lock on politics is increasingly rejected by voters.
—Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Mar. 2025
In this way, democratic parenting is markedly different from both permissive parenting and authoritarian parenting.
—Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for authoritarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritarian
Adjective
-
Carrie is described as a reimagining of the story of misfit high-schooler Carrie White, who has spent her life in seclusion with her domineering mother.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Perhaps most frustrating to Mainers: the domineering influence of Boston in the state’s government.—
Made by History,
Time,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Augusta National Golf Club, where the tournament takes place each April, has a strict no cell phone and cameras rule during the four days of official competition.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
18 Apr. 2025
-
So Read, a 56-year-old sexologist and writer based in Calgary, Canada, developed a strict sleep and bedtime routine.—
Erica Sweeney,
SELF,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Both were industrious strivers at work and strict disciplinarians at home.—
Danielle Amir Jackson,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The 45-year-old wife, accused of being the primary disciplinarian, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while the 43-year-old husband received a 10-year sentence.—
Olivia Lloyd,
Miami Herald,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
His conduct also invites comparisons to Vladimir Putin, his favorite foreign dictator, who has banned or tamed almost all independent media in Russia.—
Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards,
Orlando Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Take the quiz here … IF THE SHOE FITS – Meghan Markle's persona as 'dictator in high heels' following royal snub.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Ava Daniels is a young comedy writer who is unable to find work due to an insensitive tweet and her reputation for being self-centered and arrogant.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
And the villains, of course, exuding every nastily relatable emotion; the stepmothers and sorceresses are vain, arrogant, dismissive, lonely, rude, and outrageous.—
Darren Franich,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Hope reigns even in this harsh political climate we Americans are now experiencing.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Even if investors are slightly more confident this week, after Trump backed off most of his harshest tariff rates, the changes in people’s life-style habits serve as their own kind of affective barometer.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But Muir’s co-moderator, Linsey Davis, was a different case: Davis wore a mannish, gray suit jacket and struck a pose of martinet — almost schoolmarmish — solemnity.—
Armond White,
National Review,
20 Sep. 2024
-
There’s Cece’s father, long vanished; Ronnie, a predator; Marcel, a martinet; Joel, a manipulator; and a random catcaller in the street, whom Cece sends scurrying away by turning her acting skills to practical use.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
12 June 2024
Noun
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritarian. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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