Synonyms: dictatorial, autocratic, authoritarian, imperious, tyrannical, domineering, overbearing
These adjectives mean imposing or tending to impose one's will on others. Dictatorial and autocratic stress the highhanded, peremptory manner characteristic of a dictator or despot: ordered the staff about in her usual dictatorial manner; an autocratic teacher who was uninterested in his students' opinions.
Authoritarian implies the expectation of unquestioning obedience: the timid child of authoritarian parents.
Imperious suggests the arrogant manner of one accustomed to commanding: dismissed my opinion with an imperious gesture.
Tyrannical connotes the zealous application of absolute power: was known as a tyrannical director who intimidated everyone on the set.
Domineering and overbearing imply a tendency to assert one's will in a rude or oppressive manner: a domineering child who told the group which games they would play; an overbearing customer demanding to see the manager.