DICTATORIAL Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'dictatorial' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dictatorial are doctrinaire , dogmatic , magisterial , and oracular . While all these words 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

Q: When is 'doctrinaire' a more appropriate choice than 'dictatorial'?

While the synonyms doctrinaire and dictatorial are close in meaning, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people. // a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

Q: When would 'dogmatic' be a good substitute for 'dictatorial'?

The words dogmatic and dictatorial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions. // dogmatic about what is art and what is not

Q: When could 'magisterial' be used to replace 'dictatorial'?

The meanings of magisterial and dictatorial largely overlap; however, 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

Q: When can 'oracular' be used instead of 'dictatorial'?

The words oracular and dictatorial can be used in similar contexts, but 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

dictatorial

adjective

ˌdik-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl

Definition of dictatorial next

as in arbitrary

exercising power or authority without interference by others a dictatorial leader with total control over people's lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around no surprise that the dictatorial manager is highly unpopular among employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

having or showing a tendency to force one's will on others without any regard to fairness or necessity even the teachers chafed under the dictatorial rule of the principal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dictatorial contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dictatorial are doctrinaire, dogmatic, magisterial, and oracular. While all these words 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

When is doctrinaire a more appropriate choice than dictatorial?

While the synonyms doctrinaire and dictatorial are close in meaning, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

When would dogmatic be a good substitute for dictatorial?

The words dogmatic and dictatorial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When could magisterial be used to replace dictatorial?

The meanings of magisterial and dictatorial largely overlap; however, 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

When can oracular be used instead of dictatorial?

The words oracular and dictatorial can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 dictatorial These are features and not bugs: Spreading fear is the essence of the dictatorial system. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 His incendiary rhymes, which boldly call out the atrocities carried out by the country’s dictatorial regime, have resulted in multiple arrests and extended stretches in prison over the last five years, for a sum total of 753 days. —

Spin Staff, SPIN, 9 Jan. 2025 Under Xi, China has become more authoritarian, and Beijing has drawn closer to like-minded countries, including Russia and Iran, drawing intense hostility from Washington that sees this loose coalition of dictatorial nations as bent on creating a more dangerous and volatile multipolar world. —

Brad Dress, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025 Again and again, Bezos had vowed, despite his dictatorial way of speaking, to run Amazon with an emphasis on decentralization and independent decision-making, rather than as a top-down hierarchy. —

Steve Denning, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dictatorial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictatorial

Adjective

The doctors argued the removal was arbitrary and capricious, violating the Administrative Procedure Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act.

— Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Driving the news: The states charge the administration acted in an arbitrary and capricious way by not explaining the basis for the cap.

— Tina Reed, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025