DICTATORIAL Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'dictatorial' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dictatorial are doctrinaire , dogmatic , magisterial , and oracular . While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner. // exercised dictatorial control over the office

Q: When is 'doctrinaire' a more appropriate choice than 'dictatorial'?

While the synonyms doctrinaire and dictatorial are close in meaning, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people. // a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

Q: When would 'dogmatic' be a good substitute for 'dictatorial'?

The words dogmatic and dictatorial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions. // dogmatic about what is art and what is not

Q: When could 'magisterial' be used to replace 'dictatorial'?

The meanings of magisterial and dictatorial largely overlap; however, magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions. // the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

Q: When can 'oracular' be used instead of 'dictatorial'?

The words oracular and dictatorial can be used in similar contexts, but oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism. // a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

dictatorial

adjective

ˌdik-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl

Definition of dictatorial next

as in arbitrary

exercising power or authority without interference by others a dictatorial leader with total control over people's lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in authoritarian

fond of ordering people around no surprise that the dictatorial manager is highly unpopular among employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

having or showing a tendency to force one's will on others without any regard to fairness or necessity even the teachers chafed under the dictatorial rule of the principal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dictatorial contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dictatorial are doctrinaire, dogmatic, magisterial, and oracular. While all these words mean "imposing one's will or opinions on others," dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner.

exercised dictatorial control over the office

When is doctrinaire a more appropriate choice than dictatorial?

While the synonyms doctrinaire and dictatorial are close in meaning, doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people.

a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy

When would dogmatic be a good substitute for dictatorial?

The words dogmatic and dictatorial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions.

dogmatic about what is art and what is not

When could magisterial be used to replace dictatorial?

The meanings of magisterial and dictatorial largely overlap; however, magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions.

the magisterial tone of his pronouncements

When can oracular be used instead of dictatorial?

The words oracular and dictatorial can be used in similar contexts, but oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism.

a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of dictatorial Again and again, Bezos had vowed, despite his dictatorial way of speaking, to run Amazon with an emphasis on decentralization and independent decision-making, rather than as a top-down hierarchy. —

Steve Denning, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 The state rooms on the main floor of the White House, which had been decorated during the Nixon Administration, under the dictatorial direction of White House curator Clement Conger, were still in fine condition when the Carters took up residence. —

Mitchell Owens, Architectural Digest, 30 Dec. 2024 Villeneuve also pulled it off without losing sight of Herbert’s deeper concerns, like how the hero’s journey often ends in a dictatorial cult of personality. —

David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024 The only way to end up in a situation where a C.E.O. of a health-insurance company is reflexively viewed as a dictatorial purveyor of suffering is through a history of socially sanctioned death. —

Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dictatorial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dictatorial

Adjective

To Danes and pretty much anyone else who makes plans, signs treaties, or creates long-term strategies using rational arguments, this way of making policy feels arbitrary, pointless, even surreal.

— Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2025
This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025