variants
also tyrannic
1
as in oppressive
exercising power or authority without interference by others
a tyrannical ruler whose terrible reign was marked by unceasing violence
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2
as in domineering
fond of ordering people around
even when he was still a toddler, he tended to be a tyrannical playmate
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Recent Examples of tyrannical
What’s more, Rose engages in tyrannical behavior, causing June to flee and later exploiting Louise and thrusting her into the burlesque business against her will.
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Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
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
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
In just a few days last week, the loose coalition of resistance fighters ended a cruel tyrannical dynastic rein in Syria as Russia and Iran were too distracted to bring air cover to their ally, the despotic President al-Assad.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tyrannical 
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
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
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
In just a few days last week, the loose coalition of resistance fighters ended a cruel tyrannical dynastic rein in Syria as Russia and Iran were too distracted to bring air cover to their ally, the despotic President al-Assad.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tyrannical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tyrannical
Adjective
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But the backdrops are rendered with an oppressive prettiness that has a perverse cheapening effect.Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025
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The total absence of shadow is an oppressive sensation, which engenders a feeling similar to that of claustrophobia.New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The only thing left to contend with is her domineering mother, the formidable 90-year-old Lenore Simmons Krackenberry, who is obsessed with family lineage and Southern heritage.Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2025
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Smith is fantastic and terrifying as Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden, the stentorian nurse and housekeeper whose domineering overcautiousness feeds into all the self-pitying inclinations of her poor weakling charge Colin Craven.Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024
Adjective
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Yoon’s order faced fierce backlash from the public and lawmakers across the political spectrum, reviving painful memories of the country’s authoritarian past.Gawon Bae, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
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Yes, dollars circulated in authoritarian, murderous Syria because market goods did.John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But rather than playing it safe, the foremost roast mistress delivered a masterful 10-minute monologue that was hilariously acerbic, pointed, and playful enough to keep the crowd on her good side.EW Staff, EW.com, 9 Jan. 2025
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Watch from the masterful original through the abysmal A Good Day to Die Hard in one sitting, only on Hulu.Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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For these countries, there is far less concern about Trump’s autocratic tendencies and contempt for liberal internationalist ideals.Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
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Nicaragua's become even more autocratic this year, and recent blackouts in Cuba illustrate how difficult living there is for many.Marina E. Franco (Noticias Telemundo for Axios), Axios, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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But Valery, despite his lack of power in a despotic system, is able to help others, and finds a way to not just survive his pain but also live with its lasting effects.Vanessa Armstrong, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
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Assad's fall is a globally resonant message that such despotic regimes cannot endure indefinitely.Paul du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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To Danes and pretty much anyone else who makes plans, signs treaties, or creates long-term strategies using rational arguments, this way of making policy feels arbitrary, pointless, even surreal.Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2025
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Proposals to provide striking workers with unemployment benefits and set arbitrary regulations for warehouse workers threaten Connecticut’s economic future.Frank Ricci, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Kim added that the pursuit of individualism in Korea coexists with a sense of community, rooted in Confucian values, and a collective yearning for freedom stemming from Japanese occupation and dictatorial regimes.Hanna Park, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
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These are features and not bugs: Spreading fear is the essence of the dictatorial system.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near tyrannical
Cite this Entry
“Tyrannical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tyrannical. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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