theocrat

noun

theo·​crat ˈthē-ə-ˌkrat How to pronounce theocrat (audio)
1
: one who rules in or lives under a theocratic form of government
2
: one who favors a theocratic form of government

Examples of theocrat 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.
But the theocrats remain in charge. — Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026 Acknowledging this fact does not require us to become theocrats or fascists in the state, nor socialists in the economy. — Declan Leary, National Review, 19 Nov. 2019 The key question, perhaps, is whether senior Likud leaders will abandon Netanyahu and the coalition’s theocrats. — Bernard Avishai, The New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2023 What terrifies Iran’s theocrats the most, the fear that eclipses all their fears, is the ability of the people at large to clearly see the essential realities of the present regime. — Azadeh Moaveni, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theocrat

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theocrat was in 1827

Rhymes for theocrat

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Browse Nearby Words

theocrasy
theocrat
theocratic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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