Synonyms for dictatorial
ˌdɪk təˈtɔr i əl, -ˈtoʊr-dic·ta·to·ri·al

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. dictatorial

   In the strict sense, absolute, free from all limitation or control, and supreme, superior to all, can not properly be said of any being except the divine. Both words are used, however, in a modified sense, of human authorities; absolute then signifying free from limitation by other authority, and supreme exalted over all other; as, an absolute monarch, the supreme court. Absolute, in this use, does not necessarily carry any unfavorable sense, but as absolute power in human hands is always abused, the unfavorable meaning predominates. Autocratic power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; arbitrary power, none outside the ruler's will or judgment, arbitrary carrying the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness. Despotic is commonly applied to a masterful or severe use of power, which is expressed more decidedly by tyrannical. Arbitrary may be used in a good sense; as, the pronunciation of proper names is arbitrary; but the bad sense is the prevailing one; as, an arbitrary proceeding. Irresponsible power is not necessarily bad, but eminently dangerous; an executor or trustee should not be irresponsible; an irresponsible ruler is likely to be tyrannical. A perfect ruler might be irresponsible and not tyrannical. Authoritative is used always in a good sense, implying the right to claim authority; imperative, peremptory, and positive are used ordinarily in the good sense; as, an authoritative definition; an imperative demand; a peremptory command; positive instructions; imperious signifies assuming and determined to command, rigorously requiring obedience. An imperious demand or requirement may have in it nothing offensive; it is simply one that resolutely insists upon compliance, and will not brook refusal; an arrogant demand is offensive by its tone of superiority, an arbitrary demand by its unreasonableness; an imperious disposition is liable to become arbitrary and arrogant. A person of an independent spirit is inclined to resent an imperious manner in any one, especially in one whose superiority is not clearly recognized. Commanding is always used in a good sense; as, a commanding appearance; a commanding eminence. Compare DOGMATIC; INFINITE; PERFECT.

   Synonyms:
   absolute, arbitrary, arrogant, authoritative, autocratic, coercive, commanding, compulsive, compulsory, controlling, despotic, dogmatic, domineering, exacting, haughty, imperative, imperious, irresponsible, lordly, overbearing, peremptory, positive, supreme, tyrannical, unconditional, unequivocal

   Antonyms:
   accountable, complaisant, compliant, conditional, constitutional, contingent, docile, ductile, gentle, humble, lenient, limited, lowly, meek, mild, responsible, submissive, yielding

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. dictatorialadjective

   of or characteristic of a dictator

   "dictatorial powers"

   Synonyms:
   authoritarian, tyrannic, despotic, autocratic, tyrannical, overbearing

   Antonyms:
   democratic, submissive

2. authoritarian, dictatorial, overbearingadjective

   expecting unquestioning obedience

   "the timid child of authoritarian parents"; "insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter"

   Synonyms:
   tyrannical, sniffy, overbearing, haughty, despotic, lordly, autocratic, authoritarian, prideful, imperious, swaggering, supercilious, disdainful, tyrannic

   Antonyms:
   submissive, democratic

3. authoritarian, autocratic, dictatorial, despotic, tyrannic, tyrannicaladjective

   characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty

   "an authoritarian regime"; "autocratic government"; "despotic rulers"; "a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war"; "a tyrannical government"

   Synonyms:
   tyrannical, despotical, overbearing, despotic, high-and-mighty, autocratic, authoritarian, oppressive, bossy, magisterial, peremptory, tyrannous, dominating, tyrannic

   Antonyms:
   democratic, submissive

Editors ContributionRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. my-way-or-the-highway

   acting like a dictator; an ego-driven, selfish, inconsiderate.

   Submitted by rinat on August 26, 2019  

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. dictatorialadjective

   Synonyms:
   absolute, unlimited, unrestricted

2. dictatorialadjective

   Synonyms:
   imperious, authoritative, overbearing, domineering, tyrannical

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. dictatorialadjective

   Synonyms:
   imperious, dogmatical, overbearing

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "dictatorial":

   authoritarian, autocratic, imperious, totalitarian

How to pronounce dictatorial?

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How to use dictatorial in a sentence?

1. Zeph Capo:

   Having body parts exposed is one thing. Turning someone away because their hair's in rollers... is a little ridiculous, this is an issue of a principal issuing a dictatorial edict rather than having substantive conversation.

2. Defense Department spokesman Peter Cook:

   Basim Muhammad Ahmad Sultan al-Bajari used Basim Muhammad Ahmad Sultan al-Bajari military experience to consolidate ISIL's control over Mosul, where they have engaged in dictatorial rule and sectarian murder and oppression since 2014. Hatim Talib al-Hamduni was an ISIL military commander in Mosul and the head of military police for self-proclaimed Ninawa state.

3. Brett Schaefer:

   There is no doubt there are instances of diplomats behaving badly and the more repressive and dictatorial the government is, the more they feel like they can get away with that type of reprehensible behavior.

4. Bob Menendez:

   President Obama's actions have vindicated the brutal behavior of the Cuban government, trading Mr. Gross for three convicted criminals sets an extremely dangerous precedent. It invites dictatorial and rogue regimes to use Americans serving overseas as bargaining chips.

5. Robert Menendez:

   Trading Mr Gross for three convicted criminals sets and extremely dangerous precedent, it invites dictatorial and rogue regimes to use Americans serving overseas as bargaining chips.