dictatorial

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dictatorial' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe someone who behaves in an overly controlling or authoritarian manner. For example: "His dictatorial management style earned him the resentment of his staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, he has pursued closer ties with Vladimir Putin – a man who, like him, has dictatorial tendencies.

The Guardian

"What we did was to send a clear message to a dictatorial regime," he said.

The Guardian

But again, the reason we are acting is not a desire to be dictatorial but a genuine desire to protect our way of life from those who would destroy it.

The Guardian - Opinion

It says more about the western media (and their elite Latin American counterparts) than governments such as Ecuador's and Venezuela's that they are routinely portrayed as dictatorial.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some think that Gergiev rules the ballet with an ignorant and dictatorial hand, forcing the company to dance a punishing schedule of lucrative foreign tours and home performances in order to fund the opera projects that most interest him.

The Guardian

IT IS a sad irony that the man widely seen, when he took office 19 months ago, as the best hope for Indonesian democracy is now clinging to power by conniving at mob rule and toying with the assumption of dictatorial powers.

The Economist

Mr Wahid has always portrayed his opponents as Suharto loyalists hankering for a return to the old dictatorial ways.

The Economist

A rebellion last year by a faction of the Tigers against the rule of its dictatorial leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, was blamed by the Tigers on the Sri Lankan army, and has led to tit-for-tat killing ever since.

The Economist

Gone was his signature Tiger camouflage dress, and with it the image of dictatorial ruthlessness.

The Economist

But should Mr Erdogan's dictatorial outbursts persist, he might just have second thoughts.

The Economist

One of the reasons why Americans have periodically been able to attain bipartisan agreement on foreign policy is that both parties can be rallied to oppose dictatorial or oppressive regimes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dictatorial", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the imposition of one's will and a lack of regard for others' opinions. Consider alternative adjectives like "authoritarian" or "tyrannical" for nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "dictatorial" simply to describe a leader who makes firm decisions. The term implies an abuse of power and disregard for democratic processes. Ensure the behavior warrants such a strong negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The word "dictatorial" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something or someone behaving like a dictator, characterized by autocratic and oppressive control. Ludwig examples show it describing regimes, leaders, and even management styles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dictatorial" is a commonly used adjective that means pertaining to or characteristic of a dictator. It's primarily employed to express disapproval of actions or systems viewed as excessively controlling and lacking in democratic principles. According to Ludwig, the examples show usage in formal writing, typically in the contexts of news, media and academic discussion. While the term is grammatically correct and frequently used, writers should be mindful of its negative connotations and ensure its application is justified by the situation. Consider alternatives such as "authoritarian", "tyrannical" or "despotic" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authoritarian

Focuses on the enforcement of strict obedience to authority.

tyrannical

Emphasizes the oppressive and cruel use of power.

despotic

Highlights the absolute and unrestricted nature of the ruler's power.

autocratic

Indicates a system of government where one person holds unlimited power.

oppressive

Stresses the burden and injustice imposed by the authority.

domineering

Focuses on the inclination to control others and impose one's will.

overbearing

Highlights the arrogant and bullying nature of the authority.

totalitarian

Refers to a system where the state controls every aspect of public and private life.

undemocratic

Emphasizes the lack of popular participation and consent in governance.

arbitrary

Highlights actions based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

FAQs

How is "dictatorial" used in a sentence?

The adjective "dictatorial" describes someone who behaves like a dictator, often disregarding the opinions of others. For example: "The manager's "dictatorial" approach led to low employee morale."

What are some synonyms for "dictatorial"?

Alternatives include "authoritarian", "tyrannical", "despotic", "autocratic", and "overbearing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Authoritarian" describes a preference for strict obedience to authority. "Dictatorial" implies a more forceful and oppressive exercise of power, often without regard for the consent or well-being of others. A leader can be "authoritarian" without being "dictatorial", but a dictator is almost always both.

Is it appropriate to describe a company's policies as "dictatorial"?

While technically correct if the policies are imposed without employee input and are excessively controlling, describing company policies as "dictatorial" can be inflammatory. Consider using milder terms like "restrictive" or "inflexible" unless the situation truly warrants such a strong condemnation.