Dictatorship — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /dik-ˈtā-tər-ˌship/ dic·ta·tor·ship

Meaning & Definition of Dictatorship

Dictatorship (noun)

  1. the office of dictator
  2. autocratic rule, control, or leadership
  3. a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique

Dictatorship (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power

    "a revolution that only ended up replacing one dictatorship with another"

    similar: absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism, czarism, despotism, totalism, totalitarianism, tyranny
    related: monarchism, monarchy, monocracy, Big Brother, Big Brotherism, Communism, fascism, Nazism, domination, oppression
    near: democracy, self-governance, self-government, self-rule, freedom, self-determination, autonomy, sovereignty

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dictatorship

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dictatorship:

absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism, czarism, despotism, totalism, totalitarianism, tyranny

Related Words for Dictatorship

monarchism, monarchy, monocracy, Big Brother, Big Brotherism, Communism, fascism, Nazism, domination, oppression

Near Antonyms of Dictatorship

democracy, self-governance, self-government, self-rule, freedom, self-determination, autonomy, sovereignty

Origin & Etymology of Dictatorship

dictator + -ship, as translation of Latin dictātūra

First known use: 1542

Frequently Asked Questions about Dictatorship

What does "Dictatorship" mean?

"Dictatorship" means the office of dictator. As a noun, it is defined as: the office of dictator.

What is another word for "Dictatorship"?

Other words for "Dictatorship" include absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism, czarism, despotism and totalism. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dictatorship" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dictatorship"?

There are 20 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dictatorship". Common alternatives include absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism, czarism, despotism, totalism, totalitarianism and tyranny.

How do you use "Dictatorship" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dictatorship" in a sentence: "a revolution that only ended up replacing one dictatorship with another".

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

"Dictatorship" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Dictatorship"?

"Dictatorship" is pronounced /dik-ˈtā-tər-ˌship/ and divided into syllables as dic·ta·tor·ship.

What is the origin of the word "Dictatorship"?

"Dictatorship" comes from dictator + -ship, as translation of Latin dictātūra. First known use: 1542.

What is another word for "Dictatorship" meaning "a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power"?

When "Dictatorship" (noun) means a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power, synonyms include absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism and czarism.