What is another word for despotic?

Pronunciation: [dɛspˈɒtɪk] (IPA)

Despotic is commonly used to describe a leader or government that is tyrannical and oppressive. However, there are several synonyms that can be used to convey a similar meaning. For example, autocratic is a word that describes a ruler with unlimited power and authority. Dictatorial is another synonym that implies an authoritarian leader who controls all aspects of life. Similarly, oppressive suggests a tyrannical ruler who crushes dissent and suppresses individual freedoms. Other synonyms for despotic include domineering, imperious, and overbearing, all of which indicate a leader who exercises excessive control over their subjects. Overall, these synonyms can help to convey various shades of meaning when describing a despotic leader or regime.

Synonyms for Despotic:

What are the paraphrases for Despotic?

Paraphrases are restatements of text or speech using different words and phrasing to convey the same meaning.
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What are the hypernyms for Despotic?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for despotic?

Despotic is an adjective used to describe a ruler who exercises immense power or control without any regard for the will of the people. Antonyms for the word despotic include egalitarian, democratic, liberal, and permissive. Egalitarian pertains to a society or government where power is equally distributed among the people while democratic relates to a system of government that is ruled by representatives elected by the people. Liberal and permissive signify a government that grants liberties and tolerates diversity. Other antonyms for despotic are democratic, autonomous, cooperative, and just. Despotic rulers maintain absolute rule, while these antonyms pertain to a society where people work together for the common good.

Usage examples for Despotic

At this William beckoned, with a despotic gesture, to the cab with one hand, and with the other he brought Katharine to a standstill.
"Night and Day"
Virginia Woolf
It is when men are shut out of the regions of manly thought, by a despotic government; when every grave and lofty theme is rendered perilous to discussion and almost to reflection; it is then that they turn to the safer occupations of taste and amusement; trifles rise to importance, and occupy the craving activity of intellect.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving
The manufacture of this useful article had long been in few, and opulent hands; who, instead of making the humble bow, for favours received, acted with despotic sovereignty, established their own laws, chose their customers, directed the price, and governed the market.
"An History of Birmingham (1783)"
William Hutton

Famous quotes with Despotic

  • When law becomes despotic, morals are relaxed, and vice versa.
    Honore de Balzac
  • The control of information is something the elite always does, particularly in a despotic form of government. Information, knowledge, is power. If you can control information, you can control people.
    Tom Clancy
  • Whether it comes from a despotic sovereign or an elected president, from a murderous general or a beloved leader, I see power as an inhuman and hateful phenomenon.
    Oriana Fallaci
  • Recent action in Syria and Palestine also tell us that the awakening voices of democracy in those regions are occurring, and that those in that region are able to pursue it without being stifled by terrorists that are despotic.
    Judd Gregg
  • We invaded Iraq to change a totalitarian, despotic regime, and we have been successful there.
    Judd Gregg

Related words: despotism, despotic regime, despotism in russia, tyrannical government, regime, totalitarian government

Related questions:

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