authoritarian
adjective
au·thor·i·tar·i·an
ȯ-ˌthȯr-ə-ˈter-ē-ən 
ə-,
-ˌthär-
1
: of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority
had authoritarian parents
2
: of, relating to, or favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people
an authoritarian regime
authoritarian
noun
Synonyms
Examples of authoritarian in a Sentence
grew up with an authoritarian older sister who thought she was queen of the world
an authoritarian coach who runs football practice like it's boot camp
Recent Examples on the Web
Taiwan’s absence from the upcoming World Health Assembly deprives the body of the nation’s crucial voice, and bolsters authoritarian regimes worldwide.
—
James K. J. Lee, National Review, 28 May 2024
Challenges for Chinese Businesses: As the distrust between China and the United States deepens, Chinese companies are caught between their own authoritarian government and a hostile U.S. government.
—Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 27 May 2024
As a central figure of the Indian National Congress, she was admired for her leadership and criticized for her authoritarian approach.
—Breana Scheckwitz, Fox News, 22 May 2024
Their characters work together to take revenge on their sexist, authoritarian boss played by Coleman.
—Eva Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for authoritarian 
James K. J. Lee, National Review, 28 May 2024
Challenges for Chinese Businesses: As the distrust between China and the United States deepens, Chinese companies are caught between their own authoritarian government and a hostile U.S. government.
—Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 27 May 2024
As a central figure of the Indian National Congress, she was admired for her leadership and criticized for her authoritarian approach.
—Breana Scheckwitz, Fox News, 22 May 2024
Their characters work together to take revenge on their sexist, authoritarian boss played by Coleman.
—Eva Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for authoritarian
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'authoritarian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near authoritarian
Cite this Entry
“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritarian. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
authoritarian
adjective
au·thor·i·tar·i·an
ȯ-ˌthär-ə-ˈter-ē-ən
ə-,
-ˌthȯr-
1
: expecting strict obedience to one's authority
had authoritarian parents
2
: based on the principle that the leaders and not the people have the final authority
an authoritarian state
authoritarian
noun
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