Meaning & use
authoritarian
Favoring strict, absolute obedience to authority instead of personal freedom, especially in government.
See it in a sentence
The new principal ran the school in an authoritarian way, punishing even minor disagreements.
The country's authoritarian regime jailed journalists who dared to criticize its policies.
A note on using this word
Authoritarian describes strict, top-down control over behavior, distinct from 'authoritative,' which means confidently knowledgeable or commanding respect.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. noun
A person who demands total, unquestioning obedience and suppresses any opposition.
Historians described the general as an authoritarian who tolerated no dissent within his ranks.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “authoritarian”, then compare your use with the examples above.