authoritarian

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​tar·​i·​an ȯ-ˌthȯr-ə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce authoritarian (audio)
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
authoritarianism noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The country is not like other countries that have had authoritarian histories. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2025 The Iranian state is a competitive authoritarian system with institutions that have evolved over a century. Narges Bajoghli, Time, 19 June 2025 Democracy organizations worldwide document how authoritarian regimes and opportunistic politicians weaponize AI to consolidate power. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 But he is despised by Thailand’s powerful elites, who saw his rule as corrupt, authoritarian and socially destabilizing. Lionel Lim, Fortune, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for authoritarian

Word History

Etymology

authority + -arian

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of authoritarian was in 1861

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritarian. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

authoritarian

adjective
au·​thor·​i·​tar·​i·​an ȯ-ˌthär-ə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce authoritarian (audio)
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
authoritarianism noun

More from Merriam-Webster on authoritarian

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