absolute monarchy

American  

[ab-suh-loot mon-er-kee] / ˈæb səˌlut ˈmɒn ər ki /

noun

1. a monarchy that is not limited or restrained by laws or a constitution.

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absolute monarchy British  

noun

1. a monarchy without constitutional limits Compare constitutional monarchy

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absolute monarchy Cultural  

1. Rule by one person — a monarch, usually a king or a queen — whose actions are restricted neither by written law nor by custom; a system different from a constitutional monarchy and from a republic. Absolute monarchy persisted in France until 1789 and in Russia until 1917.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• absolute monarch
  noun

Compare meaning

How does absolute-monarchy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• absolute monarchy vs. constitutional monarchy

Example Sentences

The regime remains authoritarian and led by an absolute monarchy.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Formerly known as Swaziland, the country is the last absolute monarchy in Africa.

From Barron's • Nov. 17, 2025

The Vatican is the lone absolute monarchy left in Europe, with Francis wielding supreme legislative, executive and judicial power.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2023

Taiwan has provided large amounts of aid to the small southern African country ruled by an absolute monarchy, including in 2021 antiviral medication to help King Mswati III recover from COVID.

From Reuters • Sep. 5, 2023

There is no doubt but a popular government may be imagined more perfect than an absolute monarchy, or even than our present constitution.

From Essays by Hume, David