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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.

“Ivan III assumed control as an autocrat with unlimited power, unconstrained by law. Thus despotism arrived in Rus.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

But “of all the forms democratic despotism could take,” Tocqueville continues, “the worst would be to turn over all the powers of government to the hands of an irresponsible person.”

From Salon • May 17, 2025

Mr Jones claimed Mr Williams had run "a regime of despotism" throughout his daughter's tenure at the channel and sacked her "without consultation".

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2023

He works to keep them in check, but Shakespeare illustrates in this character the way righteous indignation can flirt with despotism.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2023

Prison administration couldn’t help being a despotism, but it could be an enlightened one.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover




Vocabulary lists containing despotism


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