View synonyms for dictatorial

dictatorial

[ dik-tuh-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of or relating to a dictator or dictatorship.
appropriate to, or characteristic of, a dictator; absolute; unlimited:
dictatorial powers in wartime.
Synonyms: totalitarian
inclined to dictate or command; imperious; overbearing:
a dictatorial attitude.
Synonyms: autocratic, tyrannical, despotic

dictatorial

/ ˌdɪktəˈtɔːrɪəl /

adjective

of or characteristic of a dictator
tending to dictate; tyrannical; overbearing

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Derived Forms

ˌdictaˈtorialness, noun
ˌdictaˈtorially, adverb

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Other Words From

dicta·tori·al·ly adverb
dicta·tori·al·ness noun
nondic·ta·tori·al adjective
nondic·ta·tori·al·ly adverb
nondic·ta·tori·al·ness noun
semi·dicta·tori·al adjective
semi·dicta·tori·al·ly adverb
semi·dicta·tori·al·ness noun
undic·ta·tori·al adjective
undic·ta·tori·al·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of dictatorial¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; from Latin dictātōri(us) (from dictā(re) “to say repeatedly, order, prescribe” + -tōrius -tory ¹ ) + -al ¹

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Example Sentences

Merkel, who stepped down in 2021, described Trump as “clearly fascinated” by the Russian president, adding that he seemed “captivated by politicians with autocratic and dictatorial traits.”

From Los Angeles Times

All indications suggest that Trump’s dictatorial presidency will begin by targeting those groups and individuals who are “the enemy” on day one.

From Salon

Harris, jumping on a string of chilling remarks by Trump, has spent the closing days of the campaign focusing mainly on her rival's dictatorial and vengeful fantasies.

From Salon

“So they’re actively working now to ensure, on a number of levels, that the military will perceive this as dictatorial and therefore not respond to any orders to quell any violence.”

From Salon

Liberation theology became particularly controversial when priests who followed a radical strand of liberation theology joined revolutionary movements such as the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, who overthrew the dictatorial government of the Somoza family.

From BBC

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