Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

despotism

[des-puh-tiz-uhm] / ˈdɛs pəˌtɪz əm /
NOUN
absolute power
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONGEST


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.

We face the tyranny of ubiquitous pleasure, of easy comfort—the soft despotism of “Brave New World,” not the brutal authoritarianism of “1984.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

However, the party said it was proud that Tchiroma Bakary could find "safe sanctuary" in The Gambia, adding that it was fully aware of how "despotism operates and how dissenters are treated".

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025

So they bequeathed us the separation of powers and the associated checks and balances ideally expected to counter such despotism.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2024

I had spent time in Iraq and knew so many Iraqis like Salam who had suffered under his despotism — and who wanted him gone.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 24, 2023

Her gentle efforts to guide the hand of destiny, by decoying her master with fertile tricks or by reticent considerations these had not bean strong enough to be recognized in the despotism of fife.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White




Vocabulary lists containing despotism


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "despotism" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com