Meaning & use
theocracy
A system of government in which religious leaders rule in the name of a god or according to religious law.
See it in a sentence
Ancient Tibet was once governed as a theocracy led by Buddhist monks.
Critics argued that turning the country into a theocracy would erase the separation of religion and state.
A note on using this word
Theocracy combines Greek theos, god, with -cracy, rule, and is often contrasted with democracy or secular government.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “theocracy”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.