autocracy

noun

ȯ-ˈtä-krə-sē How to pronounce autocracy (audio)
Definition of autocracynext
as in tyranny
a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power the Magna Carta is historically important because it signified the British rejection of autocracy and constituted the first formal restraining of the power of the monarch

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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 autocracy Birth rates have plunged in social democracies and capitalist autocracies alike. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 This would eventually lead to the overthrow of the tsarist autocracy and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 But attributing Morocco’s triumph to autocracy misses the point. — Joe Mathews, Mercury News, 28 July 2026 Rights groups say the human rights post is more critical than ever as autocracies gain influence globally. — Andrea Shalal, USA Today, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for autocracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autocracy
  1. tyranny
  2. dictatorship
  3. fascism
  4. despotism
  5. 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
  • 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
Noun
  • 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
Definition of authoritarianism

Browse Nearby Words

autochthons
autocracy
autocrat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Autocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autocracy. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on autocracy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about autocracy

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