Dictionary
dictatorial
adjective dic·ta·to·ri·al \ˌdik-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl\
: of, relating to, or ruled by a dictator
—used to describe a person who tries to control other people in a forceful and unfair way
Full Definition of DICTATORIAL
1
a : of, relating to, or befitting a dictator <dictatorial power> b : ruled by a dictator
2
: oppressive to or arrogantly overbearing toward others
— dic·ta·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
— dic·ta·to·ri·al·ness noun
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First Known Use of DICTATORIAL
1701
Related to DICTATORIAL
- Synonyms
- arbitrary, autocratic (also autocratical), czarist (also tsarist or tzarist), despotic, absolute, monocratic, tyrannical (also tyrannic), tyrannous
- Antonyms
- limited
Synonym Discussion of DICTATORIAL
dictatorial, magisterial, dogmatic, doctrinaire, oracular mean imposing one's will or opinions on others. dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner <exercised dictatorial control over the office>. magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions <the magisterial tone of his pronouncements>. dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions <dogmatic about what is art and what is not>. doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people <a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy>. oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism <a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion>.
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with DICTATORIAL
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