dictatorial

adjective

dic·​ta·​to·​ri·​al ˌdik-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce dictatorial (audio)
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 adverb
dictatorialness noun
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
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.
Wu’s strong personality and dictatorial style have caught the attention of President Donald Trump, border czar Tom Homan and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2025 Nothing unconstitutional or dictatorial about that. Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 Don’t let your passion or ego be dictatorial in setting business and product parameters and goals. Martin Zwilling, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Thank you for taking a stand against our dictatorial president. — John Duffy, Elgin Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dictatorial

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dictatorial was in 1587

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Cite this Entry

“Dictatorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dictatorial. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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