as in tyrant
a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way
the dictator had a fierce stranglehold on the country, keeping its people in poverty and ignorance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of dictator
Pure immigration hypocrisy President Trump’s and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ de facto dictator usurpation of the legislative process is bad enough.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
Did the Syrian people approve of Bashar as their new dictator?
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
One early evening in December, the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fled his country as rebel forces advanced on Damascus.
—Richard Fausset, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
His fervor against communism, which was gaining a foothold in nearby Cuba, made the ruthless dictator and his son U.S. allies.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dictator 
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
Did the Syrian people approve of Bashar as their new dictator?
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
One early evening in December, the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fled his country as rebel forces advanced on Damascus.
—Richard Fausset, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
His fervor against communism, which was gaining a foothold in nearby Cuba, made the ruthless dictator and his son U.S. allies.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dictator
Thesaurus Entries Near dictator
Cite this Entry
“Dictator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dictator. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share