tyranny

noun

ˈtir-ə-nē How to pronounce tyranny (audio)
Definition of tyrannynext
as in dictatorship
a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power a popular uprising replaced that nation's tyranny with freedom and democracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tyranny Extremists connected these claims to older ideas about government tyranny, social control and corrupt elites. — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 Inspired by the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, The Uprising sees Garfield’s character become an unexpected leader in the rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II, whose implementation of unfair taxes on the working class sparked the uprising. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 Indeed, by then, the hypnotic spell had been cast across all of Europe, including on those liberated from the drab tyrannies of actually existing socialism. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 In the film, out September 11, Garfield plays Ploughman, the legendary leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tyranny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tyranny
  1. dictatorship
  2. fascism
  3. despotism
  4. autocracy
  5. totalitarianism
  6. authoritarianism
  7. absolutism
Noun
  • In 1982, Argentina’s then-military dictatorship invaded the Falklands.
    — Pan Pylas, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In 1982, Argentina's then-military dictatorship invaded the Falklands.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of dictatorship
Noun
  • And yet, amid their country’s slide into fascism, these folks persisted — for a while longer, at least.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The film starts in Paris but Taro’s story begins in her native Leipzig in 1932, where Gerta Pohorylle, as she is then known, is a young woman whose political conscience is awakened by the rise of fascism.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 3 Sep. 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 each case demands attention from European and British police and intelligence agencies, which are already dealing with a range of similar threats from other autocracies such as China and Russia.
    — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The transition from republic to autocracy is narrated through (imagined) letters and journals of his closest advisors, friends, and family.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of autocracy
Noun
  • Visual artist and historian Ranfis Suárez Ramos highlighted the importance of internet access for Cubans as a way to break the hold of totalitarianism.
    — Sarah Moreno June 5, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
  • His parents’ experience living under totalitarianism shaped his outlook on the world.
    — Iris Kwok May 12, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Definition of totalitarianism
Noun
  • 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
  • The thing needed, even in the days of galloping authoritarianism, is to cut the Court down to size.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of authoritarianism
Noun
  • Their agenda was backward-looking, morally coercive, and steeped in righteous absolutism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The meta story of Life of M’s creation — how Cusk ignored decorum in favor of artistic absolutism — is perhaps the most intriguing element of this saga.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of absolutism

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tyrannous
tyranny
tyrant
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Cite this Entry

“Tyranny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tyranny. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tyranny

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tyranny

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