Meaning & use
tyrannically
Last updated
UK/tɪˈrænɪkli/
US/tɪˈrænɪkli/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.
Meaning
adverbnot comparabledisapproving
In a cruel, harsh, and unfair way that uses power without limits or concern for others.
Grammar: Usually follows a verb like rule or behave: the king ruled tyrannically.
Patterns
- rule tyrannically
- behave tyrannically
The general ruled the country tyrannically for thirty years.
The manager behaved tyrannically and nobody dared speak up.
He tyrannically insisted that everyone follow his schedule.
Common combinations
- rule tyrannically
- The emperor ruled tyrannically over the province.
- behave tyrannically
- She behaved tyrannically toward her staff.
- act tyrannically
- Leaders who act tyrannically lose public support.
- govern tyrannically
- The regime governed tyrannically.
Synonyms and how they differ
- despotically
- Focuses on absolute power held by one ruler, and is slightly more formal.
- oppressively
- Emphasizes the heavy burden on those controlled, not the ruler's character.
- harshly
- Much weaker; it does not imply total control of other people.
Opposites
Word family
- tyrant noun
- a cruel ruler with absolute power
- tyranny noun
- cruel, unjust rule
- tyrannical adjective
- cruel and unfair in using power
Practice
The dictator ruled ___, jailing anyone who criticized him.
Choose one answer.
Tyrannically means ruling cruelly with unlimited power, which fits jailing critics. Gently and democratically contradict this, and cautiously does not suggest cruelty.
Make it your own
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