dictatorial
/dɪktəˈtɔːrɪəl
/adjective
1Of or typical of a ruler with total power: a dictatorial regime...
- Such violent protests might have been tolerated in the past because there were no other channels for expressing opinions during the dictatorial regimes.
- Mike explains why resistance was so difficult under the rigid, dictatorial regime which still called itself socialist.
- They rejected a proposal that would have augmented the powers of the already dictatorial presidency.
Synonyms
autocratic, monocratic, undemocratic, totalitarian, authoritarian;
despotic, tyrannical, tyrannous;
absolute, unrestricted, unlimited, unaccountable, arbitrary, omnipotent, all-powerful, supreme
rare autarchic, autarchical
1.1Having or showing an autocratic manner: his mother-in-law was somewhat dictatorial...
- Still, it is clear she disapproves of his conceited manner and dictatorial inclinations.
- He will be autocratic and dictatorial, and things will only happen his way or not at all.
- But typically the dictatorial F1 supremo doesn't see this setback as remotely his Waterloo!
Synonyms
tyrannical, domineering, despotic, oppressive, draconian, iron-handed, iron-fisted, imperious, lordly, magisterial, officious, overweening, overbearing, bossy, repressive, peremptory, high-handed, authoritarian, autocratic, dogmatic, high and mighty;
harsh, strict, severe, rigid, inflexible, unyielding
informal pushy, cocky
rare Neronian
Derivatives
dictatorially
/ adverb ...- For a few years he ruled dictatorially, keeping the workers quiet with Germany's first social security laws.
- They lecture on about democracy, but they act dictatorially, and they do not tolerate any difference of opinion.
- A president may act dictatorially as did Lincoln, Wilson, and FDR - ideally under the sanction of law in a constitutional dictatorship - without temporary crisis arrangements becoming lasting peacetime institutions.