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Definitions

despotism

[des-puh-tiz-uhm] / ˈdɛs pəˌtɪz əm /
NOUN
absolute power
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONGEST


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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“Ivan III assumed control as an autocrat with unlimited power, unconstrained by law. Thus despotism arrived in Rus.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026

However, the party said it was proud that Tchiroma Bakary could find "safe sanctuary" in The Gambia, adding that it was fully aware of how "despotism operates and how dissenters are treated".

From BBC ● Nov. 24, 2025

“They created a new despotism and wrapped it in the robes of legal sanction,” FDR said when accepting the presidential nomination for the second time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 9, 2025

So they bequeathed us the separation of powers and the associated checks and balances ideally expected to counter such despotism.

From Salon ● Apr. 21, 2024

Prison administration couldn’t help being a despotism, but it could be an enlightened one.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover


Vocabulary lists containing despotism

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