Meaning & use
tyrannical
Last updated
Exercising power in a cruel, unjust, or oppressive way, like a tyrant.
See it in a sentence
The tyrannical general ruled the province through fear and violence.
Employees complained about their tyrannical boss, who monitored their every move.
A note on using this word
Can describe rulers or governments, but is also used loosely for anyone in authority who abuses their power, even in everyday settings like the workplace.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
benevolentdemocratic
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