Synonyms for

Authoritarian

Verb / ʌˌθɔ:rʌˈteri:ʌn / Another word for authoritarian — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

adjective: favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom; noun: a person who supports or enforces strict obedience to authority

Synonyms & similar words

dictator tyrannical overbearing dictatorial despotic tyrannic autocratic dictatorial oppressive domineering tyrannical autocratic totalitarian repressive despotic absolute overbearing bossy controlling unyielding harsh severe cruel inhumane rigid stern dominant

Synonyms by register

Formal

autocratic despotic totalitarian dictatorial

Informal

bossy domineering overbearing strict

Literary

tyrannical absolutist

Antonyms

democratic liberal tolerant flexible lenient permissive egalitarian

Common collocations

  • authoritarian regime
  • authoritarian government
  • authoritarian rule
  • authoritarian personality
  • authoritarian state
  • authoritarian control
  • authoritarian tendencies

Word family

noun authoritarianism
adjective authoritarian
adverb authoritatively

Usage note

Authoritarian describes a system of government or a person who believes in strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom. It often carries a negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher was very authoritarian and wouldn't let the students express their opinions.
  2. The country's authoritarian government banned all forms of dissent.
  3. The boss had an authoritarian management style and didn't listen to his employees.
  4. The authoritarian leader was overthrown in a popular uprising.
  5. The company's authoritarian policies caused low morale among the employees.

Quotes

  • An authoritarian regime is a dictatorship by any other name.
  • The authoritarian, whether of the left or the right, is anti-man.
  • The authoritarian sets up some book, or man, or tradition to establish the truth.

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