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

Chimpanzees comfort each other when in distress, despite typically being referred to as "violent" and "despotic" when compared to other apes.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2025

They had been considered enemies of the state by the despotic regime of President Ferdinand Marcos for their involvement in the Communist Party.

From New York Times • Sep. 11, 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