tyrannical
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.
Student-made memes depict the administrator behind the proposal as Gandalf from “Lord of the Rings” saying “You shall not pass!” or as Dolores Umbridge, the tyrannical Hogwarts headmistress from “Harry Potter.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Shortly after Museveni took power in 1986, ending years of bloodshed and chaos under tyrannical rulers, the young president mused that leaders overstaying their welcome lay at the heart of Africa's problems.
From Barron's • Jan. 17, 2026
Dame Anna's tenure as editor-in-chief of US Vogue is widely rumoured to have inspired the character of Miranda Priestly in the Devil Wears Prada, a fictional portrayal of a tyrannical and revered fashion taste-maker.
From BBC • Jun. 26, 2025
Freed from the tyrannical control that his father Murry had exerted over The Beach Boys’ direction as their manager, Wilson made a self-conscious stab at greatness.
From Salon • Jun. 12, 2025
"Yeah, I should get back to infuriating the cast and crew with my tyrannical direction."
From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan
Vocabulary lists containing tyrannical
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 1–6
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"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" by Patrick Henry (1775)
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Matilda
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