1
as in arbitrary
exercising power or authority without interference by others
a nation ruled by a series of despotic rulers, each seemingly worse than the last
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2
as in authoritarian
fond of ordering people around
the despotic coach demands that his players obey him without question
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Recent Examples of despotic
The concern is that any quick peace deal would equal victory for Moscow, rewarding it for despotic aggression and potentially emboldening China to invade Taiwan.
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Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Nov. 2024
Immigrants fleeing a despotic Venezuelan government have been welcomed by the Republican Party, just as Cuban exiles — reliable GOP voters — were more than a generation ago.
—Brian Slodysko, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024
That concept reduces schools and public libraries to echo chambers for government, and that is as authoritarian as any of history’s most despotic regimes.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2024
Still, somewhere between Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming, Downey’s public personality took on the triple-espresso cadence of Iron Man improv, and there’s a Comic Book Guy part of me that feels Downey’s manic energy is all wrong for playing a moody despotic sorcerer.
—Darren Franich, Vulture, 31 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for despotic 
Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Nov. 2024
Immigrants fleeing a despotic Venezuelan government have been welcomed by the Republican Party, just as Cuban exiles — reliable GOP voters — were more than a generation ago.
—Brian Slodysko, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024
That concept reduces schools and public libraries to echo chambers for government, and that is as authoritarian as any of history’s most despotic regimes.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2024
Still, somewhere between Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming, Downey’s public personality took on the triple-espresso cadence of Iron Man improv, and there’s a Comic Book Guy part of me that feels Downey’s manic energy is all wrong for playing a moody despotic sorcerer.
—Darren Franich, Vulture, 31 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for despotic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despotic
Adjective
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During a dinner banquet later the same day, Belousov said the two countries’ strategic partnership was crucial to defend their sovereignty from aggression and the arbitrary actions of imperialists, North Korean state media said.Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024
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After Leung's sentencing, the U.S. recommended -- though without citing specific cases -- that Americans reconsider traveling to China because of arbitrary law enforcement and exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 28 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Key Background Prisoners fled Syrian prisons this week after Assad’s regime fell, marking the end of the Assad family’s authoritarian rule over the country after more than 50 years.Ty Roush, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
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Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of Assad, gathering in the capital's historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule.ALBERT AJI AND MATTHEW LEE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The ongoing siege at the Argentine embassy in Caracas is a stark reminder of the oppressive lengths to which Nicolás Maduro’s regime will go to silence dissent.David Smolansky, National Review, 12 Dec. 2024
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But that sensibility seems especially widespread right now at the tail end of an already challenging year, and on the precipice of what is bound to be an exhausting, oppressive period.James Factora, Them, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The Attitude Era succeeded on the backs of all-time greats Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, with Vince McMahon a domineering force both behind the scenes and on camera.Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
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Taurus April 20 – May 20 You might currently be motivated to stand your ground against a domineering authority figure.Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The arrogant millionaire heir James Beaufort (Damian Hardung) then has to deal with the quick-witted scholarship student, for better or worse.Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024
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The truth is that women often downplay their accomplishments to avoid being perceived as arrogant, but this approach can unintentionally undermine your professional growth.Nicole Lipkin, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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For another, even the most autocratic chief executive would have a hell of a time trying to put an American TV network out of business.Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2024
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Leadership styles can vary, from autocratic to laissez-faire, and each type sets a specific tone in the workplace.Kate Wieczorek, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical twin emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist.Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 15 Dec. 2024
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This has created a chain reaction throughout the Middle East of all those who want to be free from this oppressive and tyrannical regime.Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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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
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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
Thesaurus Entries Near despotic
Cite this Entry
“Despotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despotic. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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