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Definitions

dictatorial

[dik-tuh-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-] / ˌdɪk təˈtɔr i əl, -ˈtoʊr- /
ADJECTIVE
tyrannical, authoritarian
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absolute arbitrary arrogant autocratic dogmatic domineering haughty imperious oppressive overbearing totalitarian
WEAK
bossy clamorous crack-the-whip despotic dictative doctrinaire egotistic firm imperative iron-handed peremptory pompous proud stern throwing weight around unlimited unrestricted
Antonyms
STRONGEST
democratic humble meek obedient servile submissive yielding
WEAK
docile passive

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.

How can such a playful fellow have dictatorial aspirations?!

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2025

Since his temperament is dictatorial by nature, much of his agenda is naturally autocratic.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2025

The AAU’s dictatorial control forced athletes into penury and enriched its leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2025

A Guardian profile from last November notes that the Collinses now appear to be planning a dictatorial city-state for an anonymous wealthy donor, without at all mentioning that their Project Eureka has gone nowhere.

From Slate • Feb. 6, 2025

Kim Jong II inherited his dictatorial control of North Korea from his father in 1994—the first hereditary succession in the communist world.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden