Dictator — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈdik-ˌtā-tər/ dic·ta·tor

Meaning & Definition of Dictator

Dictator (noun)

  1. a person granted absolute emergency power; especially, history, one appointed by the senate of ancient Rome
  2. one holding complete autocratic control, a person with unlimited governmental power
  3. one ruling in an absolute and often oppressive way

Dictator (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way

    "the dictator had a fierce stranglehold on the country, keeping its people in poverty and ignorance"

    similar: caesar, despot, führer, oppressor, pharaoh, strongman, tyrannizer, tyrant, man on horseback
    related: autarch, autocrat, monocrat, authoritarian, Big Brother, paramount, potentate, totalitarian, caudillo, overlord, warlord, boss, captain, chief, dominator, kingpin, leader, master, ruler, king, lord, monarch, prince, queen, sovereign, baron, czar, magnate, mogul, tycoon, disciplinarian, discipliner, enforcer, martinet, taskmaster

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dictator

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dictator:

caesar, despot, führer, oppressor, pharaoh, strongman, tyrannizer, tyrant, man on horseback

Related Words for Dictator

autarch, autocrat, monocrat, authoritarian, Big Brother, paramount, potentate, totalitarian, caudillo, overlord, warlord, boss, captain, chief, dominator, kingpin, leader, master, ruler, king, lord, monarch, prince, queen, sovereign, baron, czar, magnate, mogul, tycoon

Origin & Etymology of Dictator

Middle English dictatour, borrowed from Latin dictātor, from dictāre "to say repeatedly, speak aloud words to be transcribed by another, issue as an order" + -tor, agent suffix dictate:1

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Dictator

Frequently Asked Questions about Dictator

What does "Dictator" mean?

"Dictator" means a person granted absolute emergency power; especially, history, one appointed by the senate of ancient Rome. As a noun, it is defined as: a person granted absolute emergency power; especially, history, one appointed by the senate of ancient Rome.

What is another word for "Dictator"?

Other words for "Dictator" include caesar, despot, führer, oppressor, pharaoh, strongman, tyrannizer and tyrant. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dictator" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dictator"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dictator". Common alternatives include caesar, despot, führer, oppressor, pharaoh, strongman, tyrannizer, tyrant and man on horseback.

How do you use "Dictator" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dictator" in a sentence: "the dictator had a fierce stranglehold on the country, keeping its people in poverty and ignorance".

Is "Dictator" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dictator" is a noun.

Is "Dictator" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Dictator" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Dictator"?

"Dictator" is pronounced /ˈdik-ˌtā-tər/ and divided into syllables as dic·ta·tor.

What is the origin of the word "Dictator"?

"Dictator" comes from Middle English dictatour, borrowed from Latin dictātor, from dictāre "to say repeatedly, speak aloud words to be transcribed by another, issue as an order" + -tor, agent suffix dictate:1. First known use: before 12th century.