Synonyms for autocratic
- adjective
Most common
tyrannical authoritarian despotic dictatorial bossy peremptory
Synonyms by meaning
Adjective
1. Political system
tyrannical, authoritarian, despotic, dictatorial, domineering, oppressive, high-handed, arrogant, heavy-handed, overbearing, absolute, arbitrary, imperious, haughty, lordly, authoritative, tyrannous, tyrannic dated
2. Bossy
Other
Definitions
- adj. 1
Of or pertaining to autocracy or to an autocrat; absolute; holding independent and arbitrary powers of government.
In recent years, the prime minister has become increasingly autocratic.
- adj. 2
Of or pertaining to the manner of an autocrat.
Despite his lack of actual authority, his autocratic demeanour annoyed many of his colleagues.
Related words
- Word family
- autocratically autocracy autocrat
Choose the right word
Autocratic power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; arbitrary power, none outside the ruler's will or judgment, arbitrary carrying the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- authoritarian State Capitalism could be democratic or authoritarian.
- tyrannical They dreamed of overthrowing their tyrannical overlord.
- dictatorial Bouteflika granted himself dictatorial powers.
- despotic The administrators of that forum are very despotic.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| autocratic | steady | |
| authoritarian | rising | |
| tyrannical | steady | |
| dictatorial | steady | |
| despotic | steady | |
| monocratic | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 5 letters
- bossy2
- 6 letters
- lordly2
- 7 letters
- haughty2
- 8 letters
- absolute3, arrogant3, despotic3, tyrannic
- 9 letters
- arbitrary4, imperious4, tyrannous
- 10 letters
- oppressive3, tyrannical4, peremptory4, monocratic
- 11 letters
- dictatorial5, overbearing4, domineering4, magisterial5
- 13 letters
- authoritarian6, authoritative5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (bossy2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- autocratique
- Italiano
- autocratico
- Deutsch
- autokratisch