AUTHORITARIANISM Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

authoritarianism

noun

Definition of authoritarianism

as in tyranny

a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power a critical period that saw a number of third-world countries abandon authoritarianism for democracy

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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 authoritarianism But our survey respondents’ subsequent shift toward national identity, coupled with a further decline in mosque attendance, suggest that Erdogan’s turn toward authoritarianism may have intensified an ongoing trend toward liberalization. — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026 Critics see a once-lively multiethnic crossroads suffocated by Chinese authoritarianism. — David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2026 Deploying government agencies without regard for facts or consequences is, of course, a hallmark of authoritarianism. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026 There have been great inequalities, great challenges, authoritarianism, fascism in the past, and people stand up against it. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026 Drawing on authoritarianism scholars, the piece contends that linking criticism of Trump to hostility toward America can stigmatize dissent and make opponents appear to be enemies of the country. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 Like much else in Guatemala, the colossal, mint-green presidential palace where Arévalo sat down with me is a holdover from a bygone era of authoritarianism. — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026 The Oscar winner took a walk down memory lane to detail how many artists and collaborators lifted him up on his journey while also taking aim at authoritarianism. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Another speaker drew attention to the alarming rise of authoritarianism in the United States. — David Pollak, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritarianism

Noun

But, as Roy points out, finding love with Ellen actually gives Brian the strength to stand up to Lovat’s tyranny rather than bow to it.

— Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Lawmakers from Fidesz and its coalition party, the Christian Democrats, did not take part in Monday’s vote, calling the charges against their lawmakers political tyranny by Magyar’s government.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of tyranny

Noun

The Iranian revolution, the North Korean dictatorship, the Palestinians held hostage by Hamas, the Lebanese held hostage by Hezbollah, the Taliban in Afganistan, The Chinese firewall, all of them share the same failure mode.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Public executions are what oppressive dictatorships like Iran and Afghanistan do.

— Connor Greene, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of dictatorship

Noun

Through the character of Señorita Rio, Renée was able to combat fascism and showcase fabulous fashion.

— Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Many immigrants who arrived in the United States from Europe, including some Italians who came during the two years between Mussolini’s March on Rome and the passage of the Immigration Act of 1924, left Italy because of the rise of fascism.

— Ed Simon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of fascism

Noun

Brazil has neither the concentrated authority of an autocracy nor democratic institutions strong enough to serve the same function.

— MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
International experts have denounced President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s repression of the opposition and push to eliminate term limits as worrisome turns toward autocracy.

— Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of autocracy

Noun

Most often, socialism morphs into totalitarianism, as its egalitarian ideals are no match for human nature.

— Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Interesting, too, how the project’s warnings about Russian totalitarianism, particularly stark in DAU.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of totalitarianism

Noun

The nation which will not adopt an equilibrium of power must adopt a despotism.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
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

Definition of despotism

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“Authoritarianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authoritarianism. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of authoritarianism

noun

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