despotism

noun

des·po·tism ˈde-spə-ˌti-zəm

Synonyms of despotism next

: oppressive absolute (see absolute sense 2) power and authority exerted by government : rule by a despot

an excess of law is despotism, from which free men revolt—

S. B. Pettengill

: oppressive or despotic exercise of power

educational despotism

: a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power : absolutism

: a despotic state

enduring the despotism of the czars

Examples of despotism in a Sentence

by the end of the 20th century many countries around the world had rejected despotism in favor of democracy

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.

Although Adolf Hitler met his road to perdition, Joseph Stalin survived and extended his despotism. —

Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2024 His thug military’s attacks — and those of his thug street enforcers known as colectivos — on Venezuelans who’ve taken to the streets to protest his Gómez-ish despotism? —

Tim Padgett, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2024 Democracy has its faults, but so, too, does every variety of despotism. —

Madeleine K. Albright, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2021 The Netanyahu government is not fighting to liberate Gazans from despotism and establish the foundations for a two-state solution. —

Eric Levitz, Vox, 3 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for despotism