authoritarian

adjective

au·​thor·​i·​tar·​i·​an ȯ-ˌthȯr-ə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce authoritarian (audio)
ə-, 
-ˌthär-
Synonyms of authoritarian
1
: of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority
had authoritarian parents
2
: of, relating to, or favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people
an authoritarian regime
authoritarian noun
authoritarianism
ȯ-ˌthȯr-ə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce authoritarian (audio)
ə-, 
-ˌthär-
noun

Synonyms of authoritarian

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Examples of authoritarian in a Sentence

grew up with an authoritarian older sister who thought she was queen of the world an authoritarian coach who runs football practice like it's boot camp
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.
Those protections help distinguish America from an authoritarian dictatorship like Putin’s Russia. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 Human rights organizations globally are worried that authoritarian regimes could use the convention to attack researchers, journalists, human rights advocates and people who criticize governments. — Mary Lind, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 The case centers on the Cuban government shooting down two Brothers to the Rescue flights, a civilian rescue group dedicated to saving refugees fleeing the authoritarian Castro regime — then run by Raul Castro’s older brother Fidel. — Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 The former authoritarian president is eyeing a return as prime minister after the Sunday vote. — Teresa Medrano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for authoritarian

Word History

Etymology

authority + -arian

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of authoritarian was in 1861

Phrases Containing authoritarian

Rhymes for authoritarian

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Browse Nearby Words

authorisation
authoritarian
authoritarianism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritarian. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

authoritarian

adjective
au·​thor·​i·​tar·​i·​an ȯ-ˌthär-ə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce authoritarian (audio)
ə-, 
-ˌthȯr-
1
: expecting strict obedience to one's authority
had authoritarian parents
2
: based on the principle that the leaders and not the people have the final authority
an authoritarian state
authoritarian noun
authoritarianism
-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce authoritarian (audio)
noun
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