dictatorial

[dik-tuh-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-]

adjective

1. of or relating to a dictator or dictatorship.

2. appropriate to, or characteristic of, a dictator; absolute; unlimited.

   dictatorial powers in wartime.

   Synonyms: totalitarian

3. inclined to dictate or command; imperious; overbearing.

   a dictatorial attitude.

   Synonyms: autocratic, tyrannical, despotic

dictatorial

/ ˌdɪktəˈtɔːrɪəl /

adjective

1. of or characteristic of a dictator

2. tending to dictate; tyrannical; overbearing

Other Word Forms

• dictatorially adverb
• dictatorialness noun
• nondictatorial adjective
• nondictatorially adverb
• nondictatorialness noun
• semidictatorial adjective
• semidictatorially adverb
• semidictatorialness noun
• undictatorial adjective
• undictatorially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dictatorial¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; from Latin dictātōri(us) (from dictā(re) “to say repeatedly, order, prescribe” + -tōrius -tory ¹ ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The unique factor in the current situation is that in traditional dictatorial regimes, the state directly carries out the repression of opponents.

Read more on Salon

Orbán is a strongman, but he’s much more sophisticated in how he applies his dictatorial powers.

Read more on Salon

How can such a playful fellow have dictatorial aspirations?!

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But officials said the departure of a drug vessel from Venezuela makes Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s dictatorial president labeled by the White House as a top drug kingpin, indirectly responsible.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Each day, his autocratic power and dictatorial aspirations continue to grow.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• absolute 
• arbitrary 
• arrogant 
• autocratic 
• dogmatic 
• domineering 
• haughty 
• imperious 
• oppressive 
• overbearing 
• totalitarian