dictatorial

adjective

dic·​ta·​to·​ri·​al ˌdik-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or befitting a dictator

dictatorial power

b

: ruled by a dictator

2

: oppressive to or arrogantly overbearing toward others

dictatorially

ˌdik-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-ə-lē 

adverb

dictatorialness noun

Synonyms

• absolute
• arbitrary
• autocratic
• autocratical
• czarist
• tsarist
• tzarist
• despotic
• monocratic
• tyrannical
• tyrannic
• tyrannous

Choose the Right Synonym for dictatorial

dictatorial, magisterial, dogmatic, doctrinaire, oracular mean imposing one's will or opinions on others.

dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Examples of dictatorial in a Sentence

He was given dictatorial powers.

a dictatorial leader with total control over people's lives

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump’s dream is to one day enjoy the kind of dictatorial power exercised by Putin. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2024

Whitman threatened to quit as the company’s CEO, finding that Katzenberg was dictatorial, undermined her authority, and belittled her, according to The Wall Street Journal. —David Pierce, The Verge, 6 Aug. 2024

On Sunday, the people of Venezuela go to the polls in an election that is far from free or fair yet might still give voters a chance to show their disapproval of a regime that is corrupt, dictatorial and unpopular. —Editorial Board, Washington Post, 26 July 2024

When Roosevelt entered the White House, some Americans demanded new federal powers, even dictatorial ones, while others maintained the traditional distrust of enforcement. —Anthony Gregory / Made By History, TIME, 23 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin dictātōrius "of a dictator" (derivative of dictātor dictator) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a