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 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 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 Another speaker drew attention to the alarming rise of authoritarianism in the United States. — David Pollak, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 The Gao Brothers, whose works addressed themes of authoritarianism and censorship, became famous in a time of relative openness in China and were exhibited both inside the country and abroad. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 More recently, talk radio played a significant role in the conspiracy theories around Obama and arguably helped drive some of the contemporary conservative sphere’s rejection of the truth and embrace of authoritarianism. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 So many people who influence public opinion in the United States do so in a damaging and unproductive way because the problem of creeping authoritarianism doesn’t affect them personally. — Sarah Batcha, Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for authoritarianism

Noun

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
And Ric Salinas, who plays Chachalacani, humorously obliges, bringing his Culture Clash vaudeville skills to the role of the sentry who’s caught between the rock of Klion’s tyranny and his fellow feeling for Antíkona’s sympathetic cause.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of tyranny

Noun

This is a sensitive moment for Brazil's democracy Brazil emerged from military dictatorship in 1985 and has since developed into one of the world's largest democracies.

— Catherine Osborn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
Cseh, the archive's director, said successor governments to dictatorships rarely disclose the names of previous agents and informants, let alone records as detailed as those Hungary is preparing to release.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of authoritarianism

noun

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