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

Park, the next authoritarian president who ruled for 18 years, was shot dead in 1979 by his own intelligence chief, unleashing an era of turmoil and brutal dictatorial rule that left an indelible mark on the nation’s political psyche. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024

Winston Smith, the main character, only vaguely remembers the days before Big Brother assumed dictatorial power, when Airstrip One was still called England or Britain. —Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 15 Nov. 2024

The couple have been Biles’ safe zone, nurturing her after the more dictatorial approach of the Karolyis. —Dana O'Neil, The Athletic, 6 Aug. 2024

Fascism is a populist political movement which advocates putting the nation first through a centralized, autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader who controls the economy and suppresses opposition. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 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