tyrannical

adjective

ty·​ran·​ni·​cal tə-ˈra-ni-kəl How to pronounce tyrannical (audio)
tī-
variants or less commonly tyrannic
: being or characteristic of a tyrant or tyranny : despotic
tyrannical rule
a tyrannical ruler
tyrannically adverb
tyrannicalness noun

Examples of tyrannical in a Sentence

Everyone was afraid of their overbearing and tyrannical boss. a tyrannical ruler whose terrible reign was marked by unceasing violence
Recent Examples on the Web Using his fertile imagination, Thomas finds a way out, and perhaps even a solution to his dad’s tyrannical regime. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Oct. 2024 Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2024 But when the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome conquer his new home, he is captured and, like his father, forced to become a gladiator. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 23 Sep. 2024 As his wife, son and country are threatened by the tyrannical Austrian King and his warlords, a once peaceful hunter and former crusader, William Tell, leads his people to rebellion. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tyrannical 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tyrannical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin tyrannicus, from Greek tyrannikos, from tyrannos tyrant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tyrannical was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near tyrannical

Cite this Entry

“Tyrannical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyrannical. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

tyrannical

adjective
ty·​ran·​ni·​cal tə-ˈran-i-kəl How to pronounce tyrannical (audio)
tī-
variants also tyrannic
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a tyrant or tyranny
a tyrannical ruler
tyrannical rule
tyrannically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on tyrannical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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