authoritarian

USAGE SUMMARY

'authoritarian' is a valid and commonly used word in written English.
It is generally used to describe or refer to a person or a form of government that is characterized by having absolute or unquestionable authority or power. For example: "The authoritarian leader of the country was reluctant to delegate any responsibility to their ministers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While he has dismantled Niyazov's personality cult, he has maintained an authoritarian leadership style and has adopted the honorific title of arkadag – protector.

The Guardian

The avowedly secular, pro-European community – at the last count 120,000-strong 120,000-strong blame, squarely, withashe neo-IslaidstheK party led blamerkey'squarelysingly authoritarian president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The Guardian

Leading the charge has been Kayhan, the most influential newspaper on the authoritarian right and edited by Hossein Shariatmadari, an appointee of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Guardian

Like many expired authoritarian rulers, he promoted himself as the champion of women's rights in a desperate attempt to appeal to sceptical audiences at home and abroad.

The Guardian

Last month it was announced that Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan's authoritarian president since 1990, had been re-elected for another five years.

The Guardian

He is less experimental and more authoritarian when it comes to dealing with actors and costs.

The Guardian

To cut out the source of the corruption, the church would have to attack its own authoritarian culture.

The Guardian

In the past, mass-support parties have been forced into opposition after smaller parties refused to work with them (for their alleged authoritarian or socialist tendencies).

The Guardian - Opinion

They are worried his rhetoric to take over government nationally will bring a defensive, authoritarian response from the incumbent government and that his young coalition lacks the experience to address the growing national problems exacerbated by Abdullah's mismanagement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking to CNN, he argued that Clinton's claims to fight for women's equality were undermined by the acceptance of donations by the Clinton Foundation from authoritarian regimes in the Middle East with "abysmal human rights records".

The Guardian

Arrogant, out of touch, complacent and authoritarian, Labour is not Labour any more.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "authoritarian", ensure you provide specific examples or context to illustrate the nature and extent of the authority being described. Avoid using it as a vague or unsubstantiated label.

Common error

Avoid using "authoritarian" to describe situations involving simple leadership or discipline. The term implies a suppression of individual freedom and a concentration of power that goes beyond normal management practices.

Linguistic Context

The word "authoritarian" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something related to or characteristic of strong, unquestioning authority. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples of its use in describing political systems, leadership styles, and personal behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "authoritarian" is a versatile adjective used to describe a person, system, or approach characterized by strong, unquestioning authority. As Ludwig AI highlights, it frequently appears in News & Media contexts. While grammatically straightforward, understanding its connotations is vital: it often carries a negative weight, suggesting a suppression of individual freedoms. When using "authoritarian", provide context to avoid ambiguity. For nuanced descriptions, consider synonyms like "autocratic" or "despotic", depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

autocratic

Similar in meaning but often used specifically to describe a ruler or system with absolute power.

despotic

Emphasizes the oppressive and tyrannical nature of the authority.

dictatorial

Refers to a system or person ruling like a dictator, imposing their will without consent.

tyrannical

Highlights the unjust and cruel aspects of the oppressive authority.

oppressive

Focuses on the burden and hardship caused by the strict control.

illiberal

Indicates a system or person that is against liberal principles and freedoms.

commanding

Stresses the forceful and assertive nature of the authority.

imperious

Highlights the arrogant and domineering way in which authority is exercised.

overbearing

Emphasizes the tendency to dominate and intimidate others.

strict

Implies adherence to rules and regulations.

FAQs

How to use "authoritarian" in a sentence?

You can use "authoritarian" to describe a system, a person, or a set of beliefs that favor strong central power and limited individual freedoms. For instance, "The government was criticized for its authoritarian policies".

What can I say instead of "authoritarian"?

You can use alternatives like "autocratic", "despotic", or "dictatorial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "authoritarian" and "authoritative"?

"Authoritarian" implies a forceful and often oppressive assertion of power, while "authoritative" suggests expertise and credibility that commands respect and influence.

Which is correct, "authoritarian" or "authoritative" when describing a leadership style?

Both words describe a leadership style. "Authoritarian" suggests a leader who dictates and demands obedience, while "authoritative" suggests a leader who guides with knowledge and earns respect.