despotic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Francisco Franco had heir faces on stamps, currency, and coins during their respective despotic reigns.

From Slate • Dec. 20, 2025

Far from being despotic, Louis sought to be a constitutional monarch, with representative institutions that could mobilize consent and resources behind state policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

In reality they were abandoned to poverty under the rule of despotic local leaders.

From BBC • May 25, 2024

Jefferson complained of “useless judges” and described the judiciary as “a despotic branch.”

From New York Times • May 22, 2023

His chest heaved once, as if his large heart, weary of despotic constriction, had expanded, despite the will, and made a vigorous bound for the attainment of liberty.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë