tyrannical

[ ti-ran-i-kuhl, tahy- ]

adjective

1. of or characteristic of a tyrant.
2. unjustly cruel, harsh, or severe; arbitrary or oppressive; despotic:

   a tyrannical ruler.

   Synonyms: domineering, imperious, dictatorial

tyrannical

/ tɪˈrænɪkəl; tɪˈrænɪk /

adjective

1. characteristic of or relating to a tyrant or to tyranny; oppressive

Derived Forms

• tyˈrannicalness, noun
• tyˈrannically, adverb

Other Words From

• ty·ranni·cal·ly adverb
• ty·ranni·cal·ness noun
• nonty·rannic adjective
• nonty·ranni·cal adjective
• nonty·ranni·cal·ly adverb
• nonty·ranni·cal·ness noun
• prety·ranni·cal adjective
• quasi-ty·ranni·cal adjective
• quasi-ty·ranni·cal·ly adverb
• unty·rannic adjective
• unty·ranni·cal adjective
• unty·ranni·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tyrannical¹

1530–40; < Latin tyrannic ( us ) (< Greek tyrannikós, equivalent to týrann ( os ) tyrant + -ikos -ic ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

It points to their experience with artificial hierarchies, arbitrary violations of natural rights and freedoms, and abuses of political power by a tyrannical governing authority.

From Salon

The guards became mean and tyrannical, the prisoners sad, angry and withdrawn.

From Los Angeles Times

The silent majority is BACK, and with it comes the END of the tyrannical Biden-Harris regime.

From Salon

His bromance with the tyrannical North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and affection for various Middle Eastern leaders was no secret.

From Salon

Thus, he claims that the “tyrannical Biden regime’s reign of terror” must end.

From Salon

Related Words

• authoritarian
• autocratic
• brutal
• cruel
• dictatorial
• domineering
• overbearing
• repressive
• ruthless
• totalitarian