Dictatorial means controlled or used by a dictator.
He suspended the constitution and assumed dictatorial powers.
Synonyms: absolute, unlimited, totalitarian, autocratic More Synonyms of dictatorial
2. adjective
If you describe someone's behaviour as dictatorial, you do not like the fact that they tell people what to do in a forceful and unfair way.
[disapproval]
If you are too strict with them, your children will see you as dictatorial.
...his dictatorial management style.
Synonyms: domineering, authoritarian, oppressive, bossy [informal] More Synonyms of dictatorial
dictatorial in British English
(ˌdɪktəˈtɔːrɪəl)
adjective
1.
of or characteristic of a dictator
2.
tending to dictate; tyrannical; overbearing
Derived forms
dictatorially (ˌdictaˈtorially)
adverb
dictatorialness (ˌdictaˈtorialness)
noun
dictatorial in American English
(ˌdɪktəˈtɔriəl)
adjective
of, like, or characteristic of a dictator; tyrannical; domineering
SYNONYMY NOTE: dictatorial implies the domineering, autocratic methods or manner of a dictator [the dictatorial enunciation of his opinions]; arbitrary suggests the unreasoned, unpredictable use of one's power or authority in accordonly with one's own will or desire [an arbitrary decision]; dogmatic suggests the attitude of a religious teacher in asserting certain doctrines as absolutetruths not open to dispute [the scientific method is not dogmatic]; doctrinaire implies a rigid adherence to abstract doctrines or theories, without regard to theirpractical application
Derived forms
dictatorially (ˌdictaˈtorially)
adverb
Examples of 'dictatorial' in a sentence
dictatorial
This is a result of our sufferings under a dictatorial regime.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She has also made enemies with what are seen as brutal methods and a dictatorial management style.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
He admitted that his dictatorial management style was not correct for franchising.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Some three dozen dictatorial regimes still ensure that nearly two billion people around the world are denied their basic human rights.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It certainly won't be a dictatorial approach.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The easy, almost effortless path to total dictatorial power makes melancholy reading.
Grenville, J. A. S. The Collins History of the World in the 20th Century (1994)
The squad had grown sick of his constant criticisms, confrontational behaviour and dictatorial methods.
The Sun (2013)
Staff were asked to look at different leadership styles, and one of those was a dictatorial style.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The team join tens of thousands of people who have fled a dictatorial regime, widespread poverty and compulsory military service.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
What they have experienced is a life of missed opportunities caused by an aging clerical leadership, massive corruption and a regime that is increasingly dictatorial.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
This dictatorial approach will be harder to maintain as the relay passes through bigger cities and reaches London in July.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The tragedy is that, on youth pitches up and down the country, you see the dictatorial approach again and again.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But rather than have a dictatorial approach, I realise there is a huge skills gap.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Now I'm not saying be unfair or dictatorial.
Christianity Today (2000)
1 (adjective)
Definition
of or pertaining to a dictator
He suspended the constitution and assumed dictatorial powers.
Synonyms
absolute
the doctrine of absolute monarchy
unlimited
You'll also have unlimited access to the swimming pool.
totalitarian
a cruel, corrupt and totalitarian government
autocratic
They have grown intolerant of his autocratic ways.
unrestricted
The Commissioner has unrestricted access to all the files.
tyrannical
Tyrannical dictators rarely last for long.
despotic
The country was ruled by a despotic tyrant.
Opposites
democratic
,
restricted
,
constitutional
,
egalitarian
2 (adjective)
Definition
tyrannical
a dictatorial management style
Synonyms
domineering
They are not domineering parents.
authoritarian
There was a coup to restore authoritarian rule.
oppressive
The new laws will be as oppressive as those they replace.
bossy (informal)
She remembers being a rather bossy little girl.
imperious
She gave him a witheringly imperious look.
overbearing
an arrogant and overbearing man
magisterial
his magisterial voice and bearing
iron-handed
dogmatical
Opposites
humble
,
tolerant
,
servile
,
suppliant
Additional synonyms
in the sense of authoritarian
Definition
insisting on strict obedience to authority
There was a coup to restore authoritarian rule.
Synonyms
strict,
severe,
absolute,
harsh,
rigid,
autocratic,
dictatorial,
dogmatic,
imperious,
domineering,
unyielding,
tyrannical,
disciplinarian,
despotic,
doctrinaire
in the sense of autocratic
They have grown intolerant of his autocratic ways.