despotism
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.
The long story short is that we haven’t traveled very far thematically since Thomas Jefferson said that timid men prefer despotism — although that was around 250 years ago.
From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026
“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
He works to keep them in check, but Shakespeare illustrates in this character the way righteous indignation can flirt with despotism.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2023
Her gentle efforts to guide the hand of destiny, by decoying her master with fertile tricks or by reticent considerations these had not bean strong enough to be recognized in the despotism of fife.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Vocabulary lists containing despotism
Some Political and Philosophical -isms
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Power Suffix: -ism
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George H.W. Bush (1924 -2018) Tribute List
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