theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈä-krə-sē How to pronounce theocracy (audio)
plural theocracies
Synonyms of theocracy
1
: government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided
2
: a state governed by a theocracy

Examples of theocracy in a Sentence

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.
That may get worse, as the IRGC has taken the leading role in the Shia theocracy. — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Daisy, who grew up beyond the reaches of theocracy and maybe even religion, seems to understand this profoundly and instinctively. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026 While The Testaments, too, is set within the separate women’s sphere of this hyperpatriarchal theocracy, its main characters sit at the top of that class system. — Judy Berman, Time, 8 Apr. 2026 This swept away Iran’s monarchy and birthed a state that is part theocracy, part republic, with a handful of semi-democratic institutions swaddled by a system that is ultimately clerical. — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for theocracy

Word History

Etymology

Greek theokratia, from the- + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theocracy was circa 1631

Rhymes for theocracy

See All Rhymes for theocracy

Browse Nearby Words

theocentrism
theocracy
theocrasy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Theocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theocracy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

theocracy

noun
the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈäk-rə-sē How to pronounce theocracy (audio)
plural theocracies
1
: government of a country by officials believed to have divine guidance
2
: a country governed by a theocracy

More from Merriam-Webster on theocracy

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for theocracy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about theocracy

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